|
7 May 2007 - Mothers' day heralds call for parenting reform |
|
In the lead up to Mother’s Day, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has called on the Iemma Government to reform parenting laws by recognising the rights of children who have lesbian mums. Discriminatory laws in NSW deny children parented by lesbian couples protection in matters of custody, inheritance, child support and parental authority, such as a parent’s ability to consent to medical treatment.
“Children need the economic and emotional stability that comes with knowing their non-biological mum will be recognised if they need medical treatment or even someone to sign a permission note for school excursions. The NSW Government is letting down kids in same-sex parented families,” said Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby spokesperson, Ghassan Kassisieh. In a state-wide survey with over 1,300 participants, the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby found that 15.2% of gays and lesbians were parents, with a further 39.5% considering becoming parents in the future.
“The law must recognise the contemporary realties of family life. Children being parented by gays and lesbians should have the same legal protection as any other child,” Kassisieh added.
The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby will be meeting with NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos next week to discuss the recognition of children and same-sex parents.
|
