The European Commission has published their proposal on the Equal recognition of parenthood. The proposal has been long awaited and is aimed at ensuring the right of every child to each of their parents
MEPs have said they welcome the proposal of the Commission which aims at prioritising the best interest of the child and safeguarding the fundamental right of every child to family. A Greens spokesman said, “It is key for the Greens/EFA to stop any discrimination of a child on the basis of their parents’ marital status or sexual orientation. The Greens/EFA group have however concerns about the proposal, in particular with regards to its limitations and the choice of instrument.”
Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, told this site: “The proposal is a very important step for the gay community. Finally the legal status of children in rainbow families will be recognised across the EU and rainbow families will have legal certainty. Now the member states must show that they support all families in their country. “But, the lack of a general recognition of same-sex spouses and registered partners based on free movement rights is concerning. As well as the decision mechanism the Commission has proposed. Again, it gives Member States veto power in the Council. This has also happened with the 2008 proposal for the equality directive that is still in a deadlock.”
Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA MEP and Chair of the European Parliament Intergroup on LGBTIQ rights, also told this site: “There are distressing examples of parents who cannot travel with their child because they are not recognised as that child’s parent once they cross the border. This leads to families not being able to see each other, but in addition, it can also mean that these children cannot get the medical help they need in another country.
“It is high time this is finally addressed. Freedom of movement and persons is one of the most important achievements in the EU. Ensuring that children do not lose the (legal) bond with their parents when they cross a national border should really not be a question. Why can rainbow families face losing their legal bond when travelling, while other families do not?”
