The New South Wales Government has announced that it will accept a recommendation to amend legislation and grant equality under the law to children born to lesbians through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), as well their non-biological parents.
NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said the State would extend "parental presumption" provisions to cover lesbian mothers through IV or artificial insemination, granting parental rights and responsibilities to the non-biological parent.
"The current law discriminates against these children who, at the moment, have a relationship with the birth mother's partner that is not recognised by law," Mr Hatzistergos told the press
"They are unable to take on inheritance, or the benefits of compensation which may be due ... following a death or injury."
The Iemma Labor Government will also amend around 50 State acts that discriminate against same-sex couples.
Mr Hatzistergos said he would be amending the anti-discrimination act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person's domestic status, to protect couples from discrimination as a result of having to make their relationship public.
The NSW Government has no plans to introduce a relationship register like that in Tasmania and soon to be introduced in Victoria.
Comments (1)
To be a Dad written by Leanne Ward, April 26, 2008 - 10:52:20 pm CDT
I'm really not sure how to access a forum on this site, however this article looks like a good place to start.
I'm married to a wonderful man (second time lucky) and I have two beautiful children from my first marriage. My hubby is the most amazing step dad and loves my girls, however he would dearly love a biological child of his own. We have tried IVF for four years however unfortunately we have not been successful.
We are now trying to open our mind to other ways for him "to be a dad". Our thoughts were to find a gay couple who would love to have a child and would usually source an annonymous sperm donor, however we are aware this can be difficult. We feel knowing the sperm donor has many advantages. It's sort of like part time parenting with two loving families.
At present my girls go to their dads two nights per week and every second weekend. This leaves us with quality time together as a couple. We feel by fining a suitable couple "to share a baby" with is no different to separated parents who share custody. I really do hope I'm making sense here as it's very difficult to get our thoughts in writing.
We would be so grateful to hear from anyone who is interested in chatting further. Obviously there are soooooooooo many considerations and this can all be discussed should you wish to contact us.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Love Leanne x
You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
Perth's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community is set to have two nightclubs for the first time in ten years, with The Court seeking City of Perth approval to develop its second floor.
Federal Government agencies met with members of gay and
lesbian lobby groups in a historic first last week to discuss law reforms affecting same-sex couples.
Twenty-five-year old transman, Aram Hosie, has been named Pride WA’s
youngest ever patron. Mr Hosie, who identified as a lesbian and came
out at the age of 15, began transitioning to male in 2006.
Comments by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett linking homosexuality and paedophilia have drawn cries of
outrage around the country and now a GLBT lobby group is calling
for the AFL to adopt an anti-homophobia policy that parallels its anti-racism stance.
Australia's first GLBT retirement village is expected be built in the Victorian country town of Ballan, after a private developer received council approval for the development. Developer Peter Dickson lodged plans for 120 self-contained units and a
residential centre in a $26 million village.
At the risk of being a bit gossipy, MTV host Ruby Rose has hooked up with Jess Origliasso from band The Follow, following both women leaving their partners. More here.
Bond star signs on to play Hadrian
James
Bond star Daniel Craig is reported to have signed on to play the Emperor
Hadrian, who ruled the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 AD and allegedly loved a teenaged
Greek boy called Antinuos. More at The Advocate.
Thai trans students get their own loos
A secondary school in Thailand is in the news for installing toilets designated for use by transgendered students. Thai education authorities estimate that more than 15 per cent of male students in the country identify as gay or transgendered. More here.
Snickers ad pulled for being anti gay
Mars has been forced to can an ad promoting its Snickers bar following charges comments made by featured talent Mr T were anti gay. Is that bloke still around? See the ad here.
Once a boofhead
Former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, has lived up to his notorious nickname with outrageous commentary on a football club's decision to sack a gay trainer. Kennett compared the employment of veteran trainer Ken Campagnolo on the team to that of a predatory paedophile. More boofheadery here.
Time up for Don't Ask Don't Tell?
The fifteen year old policy preventing gay Americans from serving openly in the military has been slammed in Congressional hearings this week. Read more here.
So, Madge's little bro, Christopher Ciccione, has written his autobiography, and it’s called Life with My Sister Madonna.
That tells you something before you even get to the very
unflattering photo of her Madgesty on the cover, looking every one of
her nearly 50 years.
Jeff Kennett should be sacked as Chairman of national depression initiative Beyond Blue for his homophobic support for the Bonneydoon Football Club, which recently sacked a trainer upon learning he was gay. We shouldn't be surprised though - homophobia in professional sports is rife.
I often get some dykestrous teasing about my taste in Hollywood leading
actors: I love watching Johnny Depp and George Clooney and I'm a sucker
for a Jeff Bridges movie. Well fair enough, I'm a lesbian who has a
soft spot for aging pretty boys. So, sue me!
It has taken me a while, but I am slowly warming to Barack Obama. His speech to a 200,000 strong crowd in Berlin overnight showed he is truly a person of his time. It was an inspiring speech which, at best, could mark the beginning of the most significant change in global politics since the fall of the Twin Towers in 2001.
Perth fashion’s night of nights moved to the recently refurbished ballroom at Burswood for 2008, and what a difference a few years and some renovations can make. StyleAID 'Renaissance' was dubbed the best yet by many guests.
George Pell's assertion that Australia must populate or perish is at odds with the Pope's view that Catholics must find a style of life that eases the problems caused to the environment. Not that Pell is worried about the environment - his real and unmentionable concern is Christians being outnumbered by Muslims.
Let’s get this straight, so to speak. I like my Abba songs to be performed by Abba. I
also happen to think that (setting aside Abba: The Movie) Muriel’s Wedding was
the last statement in Abba films.
The New South Wales Government has announced that it will accept a recommendation to amend legislation and grant equality under the law to children born to lesbians through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), as well their non-biological parents.
Perth's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community is set to have two nightclubs for the first time in ten years, with The Court seeking City of Perth approval to develop its second floor.
Federal Government agencies met with members of gay and
lesbian lobby groups in a historic first last week to discuss law reforms affecting same-sex couples.
Twenty-five-year old transman, Aram Hosie, has been named Pride WA’s
youngest ever patron. Mr Hosie, who identified as a lesbian and came
out at the age of 15, began transitioning to male in 2006.
Comments by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett linking homosexuality and paedophilia have drawn cries of
outrage around the country and now a GLBT lobby group is calling
for the AFL to adopt an anti-homophobia policy that parallels its anti-racism stance.
Australia's first GLBT retirement village is expected be built in the Victorian country town of Ballan, after a private developer received council approval for the development. Developer Peter Dickson lodged plans for 120 self-contained units and a
residential centre in a $26 million village.
At the risk of being a bit gossipy, MTV host Ruby Rose has hooked up with Jess Origliasso from band The Follow, following both women leaving their partners. More 
A secondary school in Thailand is in the news for installing toilets designated for use by transgendered students. Thai education authorities estimate that more than 15 per cent of male students in the country identify as gay or transgendered. More 
Mars has been forced to can an ad promoting its Snickers bar following charges comments made by featured talent Mr T were anti gay. Is that bloke still around? See the ad 
Former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, has lived up to his notorious nickname with outrageous commentary on a football club's decision to sack a gay trainer. Kennett compared the employment of veteran trainer Ken Campagnolo on the team to that of a predatory paedophile. More boofheadery 
The fifteen year old policy preventing gay Americans from serving openly in the military has been slammed in Congressional hearings this week. Read more 
So, Madge's little bro, Christopher Ciccione, has written his autobiography, and it’s called Life with My Sister Madonna.
That tells you something before you even get to the very
unflattering photo of her Madgesty on the cover, looking every one of
her nearly 50 years.
I often get some dykestrous teasing about my taste in Hollywood leading
actors: I love watching Johnny Depp and George Clooney and I'm a sucker
for a Jeff Bridges movie. Well fair enough, I'm a lesbian who has a
soft spot for aging pretty boys. So, sue me!
George Pell's assertion that Australia must populate or perish is at odds with the Pope's view that Catholics must find a style of life that eases the problems caused to the environment. Not that Pell is worried about the environment - his real and unmentionable concern is Christians being outnumbered by Muslims.
written by Leanne Ward, April 26, 2008 - 10:52:20 pm CDT
I'm really not sure how to access a forum on this site, however this article looks like a good place to start.
I'm married to a wonderful man (second time lucky) and I have two beautiful children from my first marriage. My hubby is the most amazing step dad and loves my girls, however he would dearly love a biological child of his own. We have tried IVF for four years however unfortunately we have not been successful.
We are now trying to open our mind to other ways for him "to be a dad". Our thoughts were to find a gay couple who would love to have a child and would usually source an annonymous sperm donor, however we are aware this can be difficult. We feel knowing the sperm donor has many advantages. It's sort of like part time parenting with two loving families.
At present my girls go to their dads two nights per week and every second weekend. This leaves us with quality time together as a couple. We feel by fining a suitable couple "to share a baby" with is no different to separated parents who share custody. I really do hope I'm making sense here as it's very difficult to get our thoughts in writing.
We would be so grateful to hear from anyone who is interested in chatting further. Obviously there are soooooooooo many considerations and this can all be discussed should you wish to contact us.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Love Leanne