Adoption for ‘honour killing’ baby

A BABY at risk of becoming the victim of an “honour killing” because she was born as the result of her Muslim mother’s secret affair must be adopted to keep her safe, the Court of Appeal ruled.

Three senior judges yesterday rejected a bid by the one-year-old girl’s natural father to have her live with him and his wife. The child’s natural mother is in favour of adoption so that her own family will not find out about the birth.

Lord Justice Munby, Lady Justice Black and Lord Justice Kitchin said in a joint judgment the case involved “exceptionally difficult adoption proceedings”.

The judges imposed unusually wide reporting restrictions banning the publication of all names and locations linked to the case because of the continuing dangers faced by mother and child.

The appeal court rejected an appeal by the father “F” against a decision of High Court Family Division judge Mrs Justice Parker last July refusing him a residence order for the baby to live with him.

If the child’s maternal grandfather found out about the affair “it would be a matter of intense almost unimaginable shame to him and his family”, said the judge.

The appeal court said: “It was plainly the judge’s view that this might provoke action to preserve the family’s honour.”