 The review group will examine current adoption laws |
Laws on adoption and fostering are to be reformed for the first time in 20 years, the Scottish Executive has said. It has set up a review group, headed by Sheriff Principal Graham Cox, to help modernise current legislation.
Under existing Scots law, unmarried couples, either same-sex or heterosexual, can be assessed to adopt a child - but only one person can adopt.
Euan Robson, the deputy minister for young people, said it was important to recognise children's needs.
'Tough questions'
He said: "The other partner can already apply for other forms of legal recognition for their position, for example a residence order.
"We want to ensure future legislation serves the best interests of individual children.
"We must also ensure we don't discriminate against any couple who can offer a child the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing family environment."
Sheriff Cox said the review group will look at various issues including contact rights for children and how the adoption process can be speeded up.
He said: "Current legislation dates from the 1970s and may not fully meet modern needs.
"These and others are tough questions. They need to be asked now."
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