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22 September 2008 - Lobby welcomes new lesbian family laws in force in NSW today |
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The Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) has today welcomed the commencement of new laws in New South Wales that give children with two mothers equal legal status and a birth certificate which reflects their family structure.
The Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Act 2008 (NSW), which was passed by NSW Parliament in June, will ensure children will have two legally authorised parents to consent to medical treatment, sign permission notes and make parental decisions. Children will be automatically entitled to benefit under intestacy laws and workers’ compensation laws if their non-biological mother dies or is injured at work. “For the first time in NSW, children will have two legally recognised mothers who can take them to hospitals, schools and child care centres without worrying about discrimination. An estimated 1000 children will have the financial and economic certainty that comes with the legal recognition of their families”, said Emily Gray, GLRL Co-Convenor. “Hundreds of children and their parents will go to bed tonight with more peace of mind that, if the unthinkable happens, their family will be recognised and protected by NSW law”, added Gray. The new laws also allow children to have both of their mothers listed on their birth certificate. Lesbian parents with children already born can contact the NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages Registry to have their child’s birth certificate amended. This will give mothers day-to-day proof of their family status. “Today marks a new era for same-sex families in NSW. For too long, children have been treated as second-class citizens because of their parent’s sexuality,” said Peter Johnson, GLRL Co-Convenor. “Further parenting and adoption reform is also needed to protect all children with lesbian and gay parents. The law must keep up with the reality that same-sex families exist, and legal discrimination simply hurts children in these families.”
Since the news laws were passed, hundreds of mothers have called the NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages Registry to enquire about the new laws.
Mothers should contact the NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages Registry on 1300 655 236 to apply for an amended birth certificate for their child.
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