Australian politician introduces same-sex adoption bill

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Independent Australian MP Clover Moore introduced a same-sex adoption bill on Thursday. New South Wales Premier, Kristina Keneally, said she plans to allow a conscience vote on the bill.

Ms Moore gave a statement on her bill, saying, “Currently a child can’t be adopted by their parent’s same-sex partner, yet can be adopted by their parent’s heterosexual partner”.

She added, “Unlike heterosexual couples, same-sex couples can’t adopt a child together. One parent must adopt as an individual and the other has no legal standing as the co-parent, leaving their child in legal limbo.

“Most same-sex adoptions involve known adoptions and step-parenting situations where one partner brings children to a new relationship. These children deserve to have their parents legally recognised.”

Ms Keneally said that she was examining the legislation and gave her personal “in-principle” support to the bill. However, she added that she was mindful of the fact there were “deeply held, divergent views on the issue” which was a sensitive one for the community as a whole.

A spokesman for Barry O’ Farrell, the opposition leader, said that Mr O’ Farrell would also be allowing a conscience vote on the bill.

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