The Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) is incredibly disappointed and frustrated with the NSW Government’s response not to act on the recommendations made by the NSW Standing Committee on Law and Justice to remove discrimination against same-sex couples and families in the Adoption Act. Denying reform does not serve the best interests of children, which should be the paramount consideration.

The Adoption Act is the last piece of legislation that expressly discriminates against same-sex couples. “Same-sex families and children have waited long enough and the Government should act in the best interests of the child and immediately amend the Adoption Act to ensure that all children are protected under the law,” said Benjamin Keats, GLRL Co-Convenor.

Kellie McDonald, GLRL Co-Convenor, states, “Legal parentage provides rights and entitlements for children across federal and state laws. If a parent dies, children will be entitled to access their superannuation or worker’s compensation if their parent is injured at work.”

“The NSW Government recognises that same-sex parents and foster carers are capable of providing loving and stable homes for children. Same-sex couples should be judged on their individual merits and not their sexual orientation”, said GLRL Co-Convenor, Benjamin Keats.

Adoption reform will bring NSW in line with Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and over 10 other countries where same-sex couple adoption is allowed.

For more information, see the GLRL's adoption equality campaign here.