A bill modernising the legislative framework for adoptions was discussed on Wednesday at the House legal affairs committee, with MPs saying it was about time the law safeguarded children’s interests.

Disy MP Fotini Tsirides said Cyprus’ legislation did not currently fully protect children’s interests and the new law, if passed, would forbid mothers directly agreeing an adoption with a couple and give the state the authority to decide on suitable families.

Tsirides added that people with disabilities would also be able to adopt children based on strict preconditions securing the child’s interests.

Elam MP Soteris Ioannou said every child should grow up with a mother and father “in a natural and proper environment”.

The bill, he said, left things open for the adoption of children by homosexual couples and stated that his party would oppose any such clause.

He also wondered what would happen if a person who has adopted a child changes gender afterwards.

Ioannou furthermore opposed the clause providing for the automatic recognition of an adoption decree issued in the child’s country of origin.

“We are against these practices,” he said and called on all political parties to take a clear stance.