Sikh couple in UK barred from adopting white child

London: A Sikh couple in the UK have alleged that they were refused permission to adopt a white child because of their “cultural heritage” and told to adopt a child from India instead.

Sandeep and Reena Mander, British-born business professionals from Berkshire, were quoted by the Times as saying that they were told not to apply to become adoptive parents on the basis that white British or European applicants would be given preference. The couple, who are of Sikh-Indian heritage, had told Adopt Berkshire adoption agency that they would be delighted to adopt a child of any ethnic background but were rejected as potential parents on the grounds that only white children were available.

The Manders, both in their 30s, claimed they were told to adopt a child from India instead.

Adoption agencies are allowed to prioritise on the basis of race in order to match children to prospective parents of the same ethnic background. But the government has also said that a child’s ethnicity should not be a barrier to adoption. The Manders, whose cause has been taken up by PM Theresa May as their local MP, will take their case to court.

They are applying to Slough county court, seeking a declaration that the policy should allow them to adopt. They are being represented by the McAllister Olivarius and their case is supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

David Isaac, chair of the EHRC, said, “There are many children who are waiting for a loving family like Sandeep and Reena to help give them a better life. To be denied this because of so-called cultural heritage is wrong.”

The Manders had an assessment from Adopt Berkshire, an agency run by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead last year. They were allegedly told that they would be suitable adoptive parents, they could not apply because only white children were available for adoption and therefore white couples would be given priority.