Comments on: Misogyny is Alive and Well Among British Lawmakers

By: Dale

Dale — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:29:48 +0000

I would like to add one additional aspect to the pre-1961 law discrimination between maternal and paternal registration that had significant, possibly fatal, consequences to the 70 thousand U.S. sons of British mothers. These American baby boomer sons of British war brides had to register for the Vietnam draft from 1965 through 1972. How many names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC are the sons of British mothers who were drafted – with no option to take advantage of their mother’s citizenship rights? In my case though, it turn out alright. But, I am registering now as a British subject just for the sheer principle of it; an opportunity that wasn’t available 31 years ago. Thanks to those who worked for this change.

By: Louise

Louise — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:16:44 +0000

I was always under the impression that if it was your mother born thee you would qualify for your BP, I have mine cos both my folks were born and raised there my son however will no be able to get his according to the Consulate here in South Arica, Go figure!!
So if the shit hits the fan here I am welcome in the UK yet I must leave my 6year old son behind…

By: Tabitha

Tabitha — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:34:52 +0000

Sorry, but your article is incorrect. Not every child born to a British parent is allowed citizenship. Children born prior to July 1, 2006 to an unmarried British father are NOT allowed to acquire British citizenship.

Adult illegitimate children of British fathers are completely shut out from any citizenship rights. Absolutely, positively shut out.

I am one of many who is currently affected by this discriminatory law. I have contacted numerous politicians only to meet silence, or be told nothing can be done. Twice, the opportunity to change this law has been defeated in Parliament. MP Phil Woolas said that giving adult children of unmarried British fathers citizenship was a “step into the unknown” and refused to consider the matter further.

I too have a petition that can be found on my website (linked in my name) . When you sign Maureen’s petition, please take a moment to sign mine as well. Thank you.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:26:17 +0000

I am extremely grateful to Michelle for her ongoing support regarding this issue – and to Fanni, the author of the article. Well done! Thank you very much!

This excellent article gives me hope that it will bring further attention to the unfair plight of ‘children’ of British mothers and help boost our campaign for the same right to British citizenship by descent that children of British fathers are entitled to.

I have one additional detail regarding the registration fee being kept by Home Office: If an application is made from within the UK, the citizenship ceremony fee (£80)is refunded if the application for registration is rejected or withdrawn.

The Home Office would obviously still be making a good deal of money if the application for registration is rejected!

I love the article. I am very appreciative to the author for writing about this fight for equal rights to British citizenship by descent, and to Expatify for publishing it.

Thanks again.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:54:57 +0000

I explained this situation to my 18 year old step-daughter and her first comment was ‘but why aren’t they automatically citizens, whether born to a British father or mother, whether born in the UK or abroad, in any year?’ A simple, logical question. If an 18 year old gets it, why don’t people who make laws as part of their job get it?

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:19:44 +0000

Interesting analysis indeed! I participated in the discussions on Maureen’s blog, and wrote extensively to MPs and Civil Rights groups that were engaging Parliament on the recent Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill. The few responses I received were very disappointing. The gist of them was that we should be grateful that at least something is being done to rectify this discrimination! Even the Human Rights groups did not seem to be perturbed about the issue. I was even more shocked that the Impact Assessment commissioned as part of the Bill (probably at significant cost to the taxpayer) failed completely to identify the continuing age and gender discrimination that was entrenched within the draft Bill.

The upshot of this is that affected people continue to be discriminated against, albeit in another guise; the need for children of British mothers to prove “good character”, while those claiming nationality through the paternal line do not, raise questions as to whether children of British mothers ar eless likely to be of good character!!

The whole process leading up to the approval of the Bill, and the unwillingness of lawmakers and officials to engage on this specific issue has been most disappointing, and raises questions as to the efficacy of what is meant to be a functional democracy.