http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/PN-s-gay-adoption-stand-pushing-it-a-step-back-Muscat-20131208
Sunday 8 December 2013 - 13:01 by a Staff Reporter
Joseph Muscat underlines that there is no right to adopt but a right to apply for adoption
Following PN's proposal for the government to conduct an national impact examination test prior to introducing the right for gay couples to adopt, the office of the Prime Minister has accused the Opposition of being a step back with its "conservative approach."
"Simon Busuttil should be reminded that under Maltese law, a gay person can already apply for adoption as sexual orientation does not play a part, testament to which is the number of adoptions by gay persons."
"There is no right to adopt, but conversely, what exists is the right to apply for adoption."
Previously the Opposition had recommended an impact examination test prior to the government implementing the right for gay couples to adopt, a proposal which according to the OPM is taking the PN a step back.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister has insisted that "rather than make one general report; the government is committed to make an individual exam for each couple, which will be guided by psychologists and social workers rather than politicians."
"The foremost importance of adoption remains the child's interests, a stand echoed by Lawrence Gonzi and the Nationalist Party prior to the election."
On the run-up to the election, then-Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had said that adoption rights to parents should be guided by experts' evaluation and had insisted that an individual's sexual orientation should not play a role in his adoption rights.
The Prime Minister said that the process proposed by the government is the best to reduce any abuses and to ensure that the child's best interests are safeguarded.
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