Australian politician introduces same-sex adoption bill
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.
