England: British-born couple of Indian heritage refused permission to adopt white child

Sandeep and Reena Mander, who are ethnically Indian, but were both born in the UK, were told they should not apply to become adoptive parents as white British and European applicants would be given preference over them. The couple do not have any close links to India.

Adopt Berkshire, which is operated by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead told the couple that while they were suitable adoptive parents in other respects, they could not apply as only white children were available for adoption and white couples would be prioritised.

The pair, supported by Prime Minister Theresa May, their local MP, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission are going to court on the basis of discrimination in the provision of services.

Their barrister, Georgina Calvert-Lee, of law firm McAllister Olivarius, said: “It is unacceptable for a child to be denied loving adoptive parents solely on the grounds that the child does not share the same racial or cultural heritage as the adopters.”