Candlelit Vigil for Children’s Right - Thanet Extra, 22 April 2005

Parents are staging a protest in Margate as part of a worldwide campaign on Friday, April 22, to highlight the plight of families torn apart by the slow process of the courts.

Protests are planned at courthouses in every major town and city when parents will light candles in a peaceful vigil.

Chris Hoggart, Thanet co-ordinator, said “it is not just excluded dads who believe children need two parents, its dads, mums, step-parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, godparents and neighbours.

The cause has gained support across the world and protests are planned in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and Europe.

Mr Hoggart said “The problems in family law are well documented, but the people who are affected the most are the children who are being emotionally abused by a system which is clearly failing to recognise their emotional needs.

“The court process needs speeding up. It can months, years, to reach a final hearing. This is clearly unacceptable where contact with family members is being jeopardised.

“This protest should affect everybody who has children, or is involved with children, and we are hoping for a big turnout. Everyone is welcome to take part.”

The protest in Margate outside the courthouse in Cecil Square is from 7pm.

For further details visit www.candles4kids.co.uk.