Opposition Senator Leonard Santucci questioned the effect of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 2003, for children born out of wedlock, who find their birth father after the age of 15.

The amendment alters the Children Amendment Act 2002 to take into account that the Minister is satisfied that a family connection has been established and they had a "genuine familial relationship" before the child turns 15.

But the Act did not specify between a child born in or out of wedlock and the adjustment would help the Minister determine the family relationship.

Sen. Santucci said there are many circumstances where children do not know who one of their birth parents are by the time they are 15-years-old.

"Most children who are in their formative years are less likely to question their parentage unless they are told otherwise.

"I'm concerned because I don't know too many young people who question these circumstances."

Opposition Senator Kim Swan reiterated the problem of age and said: "We can't get locked into numbers."

But Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said the debate was not on the right path and said the point of the addition to the Children Amendment Act 2002 is to prevent events of false intents where the father is concerned and will provide the Minister with the ability to decide on the familial factors.

The Senators voted unanimously to pass the bill.