Family Forum / Parenting / Adoption / June 2007

Canadian Press

TORONTO -- Lawyers representing the interests of Ontario residents who want
new legislation permitting the disclosure of adoption records say there are
safeguards for those who wish to remain anonymous.

Janet Minor, a lawyer for the Ministry of the Attorney General, says people
with legitimate fears about giving up their names under the new law can
apply to a board for exemption.

Lawyer Clayton Ruby, who is mounting a constitutional challenge to the law
on behalf of three adoptees and a birth parent, says the legislation is a
fundamental breach of privacy.

He says the Ontario law merely gives people the option of signing a
no-contact order, rather than offering a disclosure veto as some provinces
do.

Denbigh Patton, an adoptee opposed to the law, says it shouldn't be up to
the province or his birth parents to reveal his identity.

The Adoption Information Disclosure Act is expected to take full effect this
fall.

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