Hi everyone, In the last number of weeks many LGBT parents and allies have been working hard to urge the Irish government to sit up and take notice of the loopholes in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and dare we say people’s voices are being heard loud and clear! In the past week we ourselves have made it our business to make sure each TD in our local areas (Kildare South and Laois) are fully aware of our own story and the drastic effect the loopholes have on many families and children around the country. We asked them to please apply pressure to the government (Min. Simon Harris specifically) to implement Parts 2, 3 and 9 of the CFRA 2015. Likewise, other couples from around the country have been lobbying their own local TDs and finally it seems like some movement has been made today. A press release from the Department of Health, states that: ‘Minister Harris has received approval from Cabinet to draft a stand-alone piece of legislation which will close a loophole and allow the Minister to commence two key parts in the CFRA.’ This means that same-sex couples will be able to seek retrospective parentage. The Minister hopes to introduce the legislation to the Cabinet before the summer recess and for commencement in the Autumn. https://health.gov.ie/blog/press-release/ministers-harris-and-zappone-welcome-move-to-close-loophole-and-allow-same-sex-couples-to-legally-declare-parentage/ http://www.thejournal.ie/same-sex-parents-4093489-Jun2018/?utm_source=shortlink This is a significant indicator that we, as a whole, are being listened to and that our concerns are getting the attendtion they deserve. Also today we received an email of support from Kildare South TD Fiona O Loughlin (one of the TDs we had asked to apply pressure to Mr Harris to address the urgent concerns surrounding this bill) and she has submitted Parliamentary questions and intends to raise the matter with the Minister in the Dáil as soon as possible. She will revert back with any updates. So all steps, however big or small, matter... as long as they are going in the right direction! Thank you all for your patience and support and thank you for standing with us as we fight for justice for our children and our families and for parents. We are excited to see what happens by year end. Amanda and Lesley xxx