Christian Lobby & State Libs oppose best interests of children / 'Homophobia' tag defended

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 6.4.11

Tasmanian gay activists say the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and the State Liberal Party are putting outdated prejudices ahead of the best interests of children by proposing the continued criminalisation of same-sex surrogacy.

Responding to claims by the ACL that it is in the best interests of children to have a father and a mother, Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said love makes a family, not gender.

"The overwhelming conclusion of parenting studies around the world is that it is in the best interests of children to have parents who love them, regardless of the gender of those parents", Mr Croome said.

"By proposing to keep same-sex surrogacy illegal, the Australian Christian Lobby and the State Liberal Party are putting outdated prejudice ahead of the best interests of the children raised by same-sex partners."

The State Liberal Party has proposed an amendment to the State Government's surrogacy bill that will allow heterosexual married and de facto couples, and singles, to legally enter surrogacy arrangements but criminalise same-sex couples if they do the same.

Mr Croome hit back at claims by the ACL that it is unfair to describe the State Liberals' proposal as "homophobic".

"Making something a crime only if gay people do it is about as homophobic as it gets", Mr Croome said.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.