LGBT Media Release Wednesday June 17th 2009
TAS GOV MOVE ON SAME-SEX PARENTING APPLAUDED FAMILIES URGED TO CONTACT UPPER HOUSE MEMBERS
Tasmanian advocates have welcomed the State Government's move to give equal legal recognition to the same-sex partners of women who have children through reproductive technology.
Legislation has been introduced which will automatically grant parent status to the same-sex partner of a woman who has a child through IVF or other reproductive technology, a right long available to heterosexual partners.
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group and the Womens Legal Service (Tas) applauded the move.
Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said all children deserve the same legal protections regardless of the gender of their parents.
"This legislation will give children born to same-sex partners through reproductive technology like IVF the financial and emotional security of having two legal parents rather than one".
According to Womens Legal Service managing solicitor, Susan Fahey, the lack of recognition for co-mothers can create problems in areas like emergency medical decision-making.
"We are in contact with same-sex partners for whom lack of legal security has meant severe disadvantage and trauma in daily life", Ms Fahey said.
The recognition of same-sex co-parents was attempted by the State Labor Government in 2003 with the support of a majority of the Liberal Opposition, but was blocked in the State Upper House.
Since then, most other Australian states have enacted the reform.
Mr Croome urged families headed by Tasmanian same-sex partners to contact their local state Upper House member and explain how reform will benefit them.
Same-sex couples have had access to reproductive services in Tasmania for many years.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Susan Fahey on 0418 434 226
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