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2016.02.02
5.1 Deputy J.A. Hilton of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding unmarried fathers' increased rights in relation to their children:
What steps, if any, will the Chief Minister be taking to ensure that unmarried fathers have increased rights in relation to their children and that, when named on a birth certificate, they automatically have parental responsibility?
Senator I.J. Gorst (The Chief Minister):
Following the States in principle agreement last year the intention was to bring forward this change in early 2017 as part of the package of changes required in relation to same sex marriage. I have, however, instructed officers to bring forward the necessary changes as soon as possible. In the first instance, this will relate specifically to unmarried men who are the stated father of the child. These changes are straightforward. More complex changes relating to fathers and/or mothers who are non-biological parents will follow in 2017 as previously planned.
5.1.2 Deputy J.A. Hilton:
I would like to thank the Chief Minister for that answer. Just to confirm: that those amendments will be brought forward to the law in 2016?
Senator I.J. Gorst :
As I said, I have instructed officers to bring forward those changes sooner than 2017. I am informed as of yesterday that the law drafting instruction has been prepared and I will approve that. Then the law drafting will be undertaken, but I understand that that process should take no more than just over a month, so within 2 months we should have that ready for lodging with the Assembly.