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  • Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    “Our support for same-sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised.”

    © DGLimages Depositphotos

    Barnardo’s NI is throwing its support behind the campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland. It is the first children’s charity in Northern Ireland to publicly voice its support.

    Barnardo’s is making the announcement to coincide with Belfast Pride’s Coming Out for Change Campaign.

    As a UK-wide organisation Barnardo’s has in the past supported marriage equality campaigns in other areas of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

    Director Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson said, “We work with many children, young people and families who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Many of our workforce and volunteers as a reflection of society also identify as LGBTQ and we do not discriminate.”

    “We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and believe marriage equality is an extension of that. As a children’s charity we want the children and families we support as well as our staff and volunteers to know that we will stand up for them and support them.  We believe marriage equality should be a right for all regardless of sexual orientation.”

    “Our support for same sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised. We work and live in a diverse and multi-cultural environment which Barnardo’s embraces and promotes.”

    “Marriage equality legislation has been passed in the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, across western Europe, the USA and Australia and we hope that Northern Ireland will soon follow, giving same sex couples the right and freedom to marry if they so wish.”

    Marriage and Northern Ireland

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Gay marriage continues to be a contentious issue in Northern Ireland for its politicians, particularly the DUP. Despite same-sex marriage being legal in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is the only nation within the UK that doesn’t allow its gay and lesbian couples to get married. Instead, gay couples are only permitted to have Civil Partnerships, which are legally different to marriages.

    The subject of same-sex marriage has been voted on five times by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Each time it was blocked by the DUP.

     

  • Barnados Is Seeking Out Gay Parents For Children and Siblings

    Barnardo’s will appeal to the crowds at this weekend’s Pride in London event to find would-be adopters who could offer a loving family for a group of siblings.

    A team of around 40 LGBT staff, volunteers and allies from the children’s charity will join the march through central London on the afternoon of Saturday, June 27, helping to raise awareness that adopters who offer family life to sibling groups can benefit from a wide range of support.

    The parade will run from 12pm to 4pm and will culminate in a celebration at Trafalgar Square where Barnardo’s will have a stall close to the famous Fourth Plinth.

    Volunteers will be at the stall all day talking to Pride supporters about tailoring support to adopters who take on three or more siblings, such as a home extension, financial assistance, a bigger car or help in the home.

    Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Barnardo’s has been actively placing children with LGBT adoptive parents for more than 25 years and we are very proud of the contribution they have made in turning around the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

    “Pride in London will be another great opportunity for us to talk to potential foster carers and adopters who would like to find out more about offering a loving family to sibling groups.”

    Barnardo’s is working with the charity New Family Social to recruit more adopters to offer siblings a loving family. Siblings on average wait the longest time for a placement.

    Barnardo’s Family Finder Ian Harmer-Draper, who will run the Trafalgar Square stall, said: “As always we’re very proud to take part in Pride in London and stand up for Barnardo’s LGBT staff, carers, adopters and volunteers.

    “It’s also a great opportunity to explain to people who want to adopt that although providing a loving family for a group of three or more siblings can seem daunting, there can be lots of support available to help you make it work.

    “If you are attracted to the idea of a large family but are concerned about coping with the material, financial, practical and emotional impact, you might be surprised by just how much help may be at hand.”

    Call 01206 562438 to book your place(s) at an information meeting that will cover the work of the sibling group initiative.

    To find out more about adoption visit www.barnardos.org.uk/adoption