Protesters have stalled the adoption of a child from a Muslim mother to lesbian parents as children's services consider their options.
More than 30 Somali women gathered outside of Harrow Council's Civic Centre on Wednesday morning, demanding the child who had been put into care after the mother became ill be fostered to parents more in line with their religious beliefs.
The Observer understands that the council is now looking at a number of options with regard to the future of the child, who was due to be fostered by the lesbian couple on Wednesday but that adoption process has since been paused following complaints from the family .
Harrow Council cannot discuss the specifics of the case, however Conservative leader Susan Hall said: “Clearly there is always an ideal that a child could be matched with parents from a similar background and heritage.
"But the reality is the ultimate choice is governed by the kind of adoptive parents who are available. "The most important thing is that the child goes to a loving and supportive home and to people we believe, on the basis of thorough assessment, are best suited to look after them."
The former Mayor of Harrow Councillor Asad Omar told the Observer on Thursday that he supports the protesters , but added that not enough people from black or ethnic minorities come forward as foster parents.
Ms Hall added: “There is clearly a need for potential foster and adoptive parents from different ethnic backgrounds to come forward as recruits. As the country’s population becomes more diverse, that requirement is only going to intensify and it is something we need to address as soon as we can.
“As all parents know, a sense of security and permanence are vitally important to children.
"The careful search for the right adoptive parents also has to be matched against the fact that the child isn’t helped if this process drags on.”
