A DUNFERMLINE man has lodged a petition with the Scottish Parliament in his efforts to change the laws on adult adoption.

Nathan Sparling wants reform which would allow his stepdad Brian, who brought him up from the age of 13, to legally adopt him.

As reported by the Press in April, the 27 year-old wants to give something back for all his stepfather has done for him.

At the moment, the law doesn’t allow for the adoption of over-18s and Nathan hopes his latest move will ensure the issue is brought to the forefront and discussed by politicians.

“The reason I have launched the petition is to engage in the parliamentary process,” said Nathan, a former drag artist who is now head of policy and campaigning for HIV Scotland.

“We heard back from the government and got a disappointing response that they didn’t have any plans to look into this.

“Using the parliamentary petition system allows us to get into the centre of politics in Scotland and have it considered by a parliamentary committee.”

The petition will be open for six weeks before being considered by the petitions committee at a hearing which Nathan will be invited to attend and speak.

“This is a quick way of getting into the heart of politics and hopefully they will engage with me. The government have a couple of really good opportunities to review adult adoption – there is currently a family law review going on and a review of the caring system. Both allow the opportunity to consider adult adoption.

“Hopefully just showing the public support for this issue will force the government to start to look at this a bit closer.”

Since bringing the issue into the public eye, Nathan has been contacted by a range of people who have shared their experiences and voiced their support for what he is doing.

“I was surprised at how many people had been stopped from doing this,” he said. “People have actively looked at adult adoption as a solution for them and have not been able to do it. I am proud to be taking action on it. Brian and the whole family say it doesn’t really matter what is on paper but are very proud that I am taking this forward.

“I will always be part of the family and this is just about giving back, a sort of thank you for that comfort and fatherhood which he has provided.

“It is also a chance for all those other people who have not had the opportunity to speak up on this issue. My voice is their voice.”

In his petition, Nathan calls on the Scottish Parliament to “urge the Scottish Government to amend the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, or introduce separate legislation, to allow for the adoption of individuals who are over the age of 18, in order to respect the right to a family life enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998.”

The petition can be found at www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/adultadoption.