In a move that is set to make it easier for gay and lesbian couples to become parents, Queensland is to decriminalise altruistic surrogacy, Premier Anna Bligh has announced.
In a statement released by Bligh last month, the Premier said the move would give hundreds of couples the opportunity to have children.
"As a mother, I know the incredible joys parenthood can bring,” Bligh said.
“[This] decision means Queenslanders who are not able to conceive a child of their own will now have a legal avenue to do so.”
The decision follows the unanimous recommendation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee last year, to change the current Queensland law which makes all forms of surrogacy illegal.
The committee recommended decriminalising the practice of altruistic surrogacy – where a woman agrees to bear a child for another person, for no financial gain or personal benefit.
“The reality is, for some people, surrogacy is their only chance of starting a family,” said Bligh.
“It is not fair that their genuine efforts to do so could land them in jail, or see them face fines of up to $10,000.”
Queensland is currently the only state in Australia where altruistic surrogacy is considered a crime, punishable by jail.
The law will officially change by the end of this year.
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