Minister calls for reform of adoption services after ban on LGBT couples upheld

Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs Haim Katz says the state’s refusal to reconsider a law barring same-sex couples from adopting was poorly worded and does not reflect his position on the matter.

“The wording presented to the High Court was a failed formulation and should not have been said,” a statement from Katz’s office says. “The minister has no intention of preventing or denying a certain group from adopting.

“The minister’s policy, as adopted by the Justice and Social Affairs Ministries is that comprehensive reforms must be made in the adoption services, while at the same time investing more in care for the community.”

Yesterday, in response to a High Court petition, the state said that it opposed changing the law to allow same-sex couples the right to adopt because it would place an “additional burden” on the child.