City of Ostend recognizes two fathers of a child

Earlier this month there was a fuss because the City of Ostend did not recognize two fathers of a child. For several years now, the city has received negative advice about this from Burgerzaken Vlaanderen, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Central Authority of the Civil Registry (CABS), …

Despite the negative advice and the Belgian legislation – which never allows more than one lineage on the paternal side – there was a strong will from the city council to recognize both men as fathers.

The interests of the child are central

Mayor Bart Tommelein: “Ostend is a rainbow city and an ‘LGBTQIA+’-friendly policy is explicitly stated in the current administrative agreement. There were many contacts with the Central Authority of the Civil Registry, various administrative services and ministerial cabinets. Specialist legal advice was obtained. The best interests of the child have always been central to this. The biological father was therefore asked to sign a document in which he declares that he agrees with the recognition by the other father. This offers the child additional legal certainty in the event of potential later conflicts.”

Today the Civil Registry has recognized both fathers. Alderman for Accessibility and Civil Affairs Hina Bhatti: “The city of Ostend is sticking its neck out with this and calls on the federal parliament and the higher government to find a sustainable solution. It cannot be the intention that cities and municipalities have to make these decisions, this must be regulated through Belgian law.”