David Norris (Independent)

I find it interesting to observe the ricochets of the passage of the civil partnership Act, particularly as they emerge in this legislation. The most reprehensible and disgraceful aspect of the civil partnership Act which I supported in principle was the total absence of concern for or a reference to children which left them exposed. Although it is possible for a same sex partner to adopt, that person adopts as an individual. If the adopting partner dies, the child is left exposed and vulnerable. That is a horrible position to be in. I ask the Minister, taking into account that this is mentioned in the Bill and that her title is Minister for Social Protection, to use her undoubted skills to urge her Government colleagues to provide protection for children in same sex relationships. It is a remarkable irony that whereas children are excluded from the civil partnership Act which would have given them some degree of right or advantage, it is possible to include them in any situation where they could be disadvantaged. That is most regrettable. I ask the Minister to consider this irony. These citizens can be disadvantaged again, having been refused a degree of recognition in the civil partnership Act. I hope the Government will address this issue which is one of the issues outstanding in this area.