Get the latest news from Manx.News

Parental responsibility for unmarried fathers to be debated in House of Keys

Tue, 06 Nov 2012

An MLC will have his bill in support of unmarried fathers gaining parental responsibilty to their children taken before the House of Keys.

Juan Turner has expressed his belief that the Island needs to mirror the UK's committment to this aspect of the Children's Act.

As it stands if a couple decide to have children who are not husband and wife, the current system means father's have less responsibilty over the child.

The UK Government has acknowledge that in the greater majority of cases a child's welfare would be best served by having full involvement of both parents in their lives.

Mr Turner's bill does not automatically give the father the equal right, they  would still need their name registered on the child's birth certificate.

Legislative Council has unanimously supported the bill, which will then go before the House of Keys on the 27th November.

Mr Turner says it's an important issue that's long overdue:

---

Media

• Juan Turner, MLC