Passage of Fed gay parent law puts pressure on Tas Gov

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 10.11.08.

Tasmanian gay activists say the passage of a federal law recognising both parents of children born to same-sex couples through IVF and surrogacy arrangements puts pressure on the Tasmanian Government to do the same.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the State Government has dragged its feet on the recognition of same-sex parents.

"Children born through IVF or surrogacy benefit from the legal and emotional security that comes from having two legally-recognised parents rather than one", Mr Croome said.

"We applaud the Federal Government for putting the best interests of these children ahead of out-dated prejudices and stereotypes, and we call on the Tasmania Government to do the same."

In 2003 the State Government attempted to recognise the non-biological female partners of women who give birth through IVF in the same way that non-biological male partners are currently recognised, but reform was thwarted in the Upper House.

Despite a subsequent Parliamentary Committee report recommending reform, no further action has been taken by the Government.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.