An Opposition MP called a Bill allowing granting adoptive parents and legal guardians parental leave a “slap in the face” to single fathers.

Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Justice, spoke out after the Employment Amendment Act 2026 passed in the House of Assembly on Monday.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, responded that the claim of discrimination appeared “to misunderstand the intent and structure of the legislation”.

The amendment allows for 13 weeks of leave for adoptive mothers and five consecutive days for adoptive fathers of children below age 2, to be paid if the parents have been employed for more than one year by the time the child is placed in their care.

Mr Pearman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, highlighted how offering adoptive mothers more leave than adoptive fathers could render the bill discriminatory.

However, a motion that the House rise to consider recommendations from the One Bermuda Alliance failed to pass in Parliament.

Mr Pearman said: “This Progressive Labour Party Bill is a slap in the face to single fathers seeking to adopt or assume legal guardianship for a child in need.

“It is a courageous step to adopt a child, yet rather than supporting single fathers, the PLP chooses to discriminate against them, treating single fathers like second-class citizens.”

He said Mr Hayward did not pause the Bill when invited and instead “pressed on with his defective legislation”.

However, Mr Hayward said the amendment mirrors existing maternity and paternity leave framework for biological parents “by extending the same statutory structure of parental leave to adoptive parents and legal guardians, ensuring legislative consistency”.

He added: “The Act reflects a principle of legislative parity: adoptive parents and legal guardians should not be placed at a disadvantage when compared with biological parents in the workplace and vice versa.

“By aligning entitlements, the legislation ensures that families formed through adoption or guardianship receive the same standard protections that already exist in the Employment Act 2000.”

He said the amendment “strengthens Bermuda’s labour protections, promotes family wellbeing and ensures that the legislation reflects the diverse ways in which families are formed within our community”.

Eight MPs approved Mr Pearman’s motion for the House to rise, while 13 voted against it and three abstained.

Mr Pearman said the fact that three PLP MPs abstained “sends a very loud message to the electorate”.