EXETER dads are joining forces to demand better access rights for fathers.
Around 30 protesters are expected outside Exeter Crown Court on Friday 16 Juneto lobby leading family law experts.
They are coming out in support of a national call by Dad's Against Discrimination for fairer access for fathers to their children.
DADs supports fathers who find themselves denied access to their children after a divorce or separation from their wives or girlfriends.
Simultaneous demonstrations will also be taking place in Taunton, Bristol, Birmingham and London.
'There are thousands of children who are not getting contact with their children,i said DADs founder Mark Harris, 41, from Plymouth. 'Or it is increasingly normal to get a contact order for your children for just six or twelve days a year. It is a grave injustice.
Mr Harris added: 'Children should be able to see both their parents unless there is a serious reason why not.
'There are 150,000 children effectively losing a parent through the courts and that is more than lost their father during the Second World War.i
Mr Harris founded DADs in April and the group now has grown to around 60 members. He currently sees his three children for six days a year and has spent GBP 9,000 on legal fees.
Mr Harris said he had been surprised by the strength of support for his cause and was hoping that the demonstrations would persuade judges to rethink their position on th issue.
'Children want both parents - preferable in the same home - but if they are not they need to see both parents,i he explained.
'I am getting a lot of phone calls and it is the same story - fathers cannot get justice.
Mr Harris went on: 'At the moment, if you want to see your children there have to be compelling reasons to let you and that is all the wrong way round.1
Anyone affected by this issue, their family or friends, are invited to attend the protest.
Monday 12 June 2000
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