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Stonewall welcomes adoption decision: ‘triumph for tolerance over prejudice’

Stonewall warmly welcomes today’s media reports that ministers have decided not to allow Catholic adoption agencies to opt out of new discrimination laws.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said: ‘This is a triumph for 21st century tolerance over 19^th century prejudice. We’re absolutely delighted that the Government seems to have decided against an opt-out. The exemptions which Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor and others were demanding would have denied some of Britain’s most vulnerable young people a loving home, as well as stigmatising lesbian and gay parents and the many children raised in stable, loving families by them.’

For further information contact: Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive (020-7593 1853/ 07949 108 798); or Alan Wardle, Director of Parliamentary & Public Affairs (020-7593 1854 / 07720 718 176)

Notes

The sexual orientation regulations will outlaw discrimination in the provision of goods and services, including healthcare, hotels and insurance. The Government has said the new protections will be implemented in April 2007.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor had threatened to close down their adoption agencies unless the Government exempted them from the regulations.
Stonewall is the gay equality organisation founded in 1989. Founding members include Sir Ian McKellen.