Gays hopeful of further reform after family bill passed / Pressure increases tp pass Vic parent reform

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 10.11.08.

Gay rights advocates are hopeful that financial and legal discrimination against same-sex partners will soon be eliminated from federal law following the passage today of a Family Law amendment recognising unmarried and same-sex co-parents where children are born through IVF and surrogacy.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Corey Irlam said,

“The recognition of same-sex parents was arguably the most controversial aspect of those reforms needed to provide equity in federal law, and the fact it has been supported by the Senate gives us hope further reform in areas like superannuation will pass with overwhelming support".

The Family Law Amendment bill will recognise the female partner of the birth mother in an IVF arrangement as the legal parent of the child born to a lesbian couple. Amendments will also recognise the two parents, regardless of gender, in a surrogacy arrangement where a court order has been issued under a state or territory law.

“The passage of this legislation now brings Federal laws into line with most state or territory parenting laws, and sends a message to states still dragging their feet on equal parenting laws to get a move on", Mr Irlam said.

Mr Irlam said the the strongest pro-reform message will be sent to the Victorian Parliament which is in the midst of a debate on same-sex parenting.

"If the Federal Parliament can wrap its head around this reform by recognising the best interest of the child is paramount, the Victorian Parliament has no excuses. Discrimination against children in same-sex families in Victoria has been going on for too long."

The Federal Government's Same-Sex Superannuation and Same-Sex General Law reform bills amending some 84 pieces of legislation are due to be debated in the Senate this week.

“There have been many inquiries, consultations and delays since these bills were introduced earlier this year, so we call on the Parliament to finalise the Senate debate on the remaining two bills this week", Mr Irlam said.

For further comment contact Corey Irlam on 0401 738 996