Members of the community celebrated the landmark same-sex parenting reforms which were passed in June on Tuesday night.
Hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, the group of about 60
people gathered to congratulate those instrumental in the reform at
Slide nightclub.
The legislation recognises the rights of children born to female
same-sex couples in New Sotuh Wales and continues a decade-long process
of reform to equally recognise people in same-sex relationships.
Co-convenor Peter Johnson (pictured, right) and Emily Gray (left) praised the efforts of various
members of the community, many of whom were present, including Sydney
City Councillor Phillip Black, ACON CEO Stevie Clayton, and UTS Law
Professor Jenni Millbank.
“Ten years is a long time in community activism but in law reform, it’s
a blink of an eye,” Millbank said. Millbank has been a central figure
in the drafting of the reforms.
The event follows news that the NSW State Government has signalled last month it
will propose changes to adoption laws for the benefit of foster carers
and step-parents. However, it is still unclear whether the changes will
apply to same-sex couples.
“While the recent changes are a huge win for equality and will
recognise the majority of families in our community, there is little
doubt that some kids miss out,” Johnson said in an earlier statement.
“Adoption equality is needed to provide equality for some children with
same-sex parents who were not included in the recent reforms. Study
after study has shown that it is the love and care given to a child,
rather than the gender of a child’s parents, that determines their
moral, social and intellectual wellbeing.”
Members of the community celebrated the landmark same-sex parenting reforms which were passed in June on Tuesday night.
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