The NSW Government continues its inconsistent approach to child welfare by seeking out more lesbian and gay foster carers while denying same-sex couples the right to be considered to adopt.

Same-sex couples have been praised for their parenting and have been actively recruited by foster agencies. Linda Burney, Minister for Community Services stated: “Lesbian and gay foster carers make a highly valued contribution to the NSW out-of-home care service system.”  

Despite the calls from lesbian and gay foster carers, the NSW Government continues to deny them the ability to apply to adopt, as a couple, children in their long-term care.  

Same-sex foster carers can apply for parenting orders however parenting orders confer limited parental rights and expire once the child reaches the age of 18. Children may be denied access to a parent’s superannuation, welfare, worker’s compensation, or death benefits because of the lack of a legally recognised relationship. 

The other inconsistency in NSW adoption law is that lesbians and gay men can apply to adopt as individuals – but not as a couple. 

Minister Burney has stressed the importance of protecting the best interests of vulnerable children, "We need more individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to children and young people who can't live safely with their own families."  

Demand an end to this inconsistency in NSW adoption law and unfair discrimination against same-sex couples and their families by visiting the GLRL website: www.glrl.org.au to submit a letter to the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Community Services or by contacting your local MP and letting them know that inaction on adoption reform is unacceptable.