Same-sex adoption rights were granted in the NSW parliament last month, the fourth Australian state or territory to do so.
On the eve of September 9, the bill cleared its final hurdle after the Legislative Council approved an amended version.
The parliament revised the legislation in the best interests of the child; one of the amendments permitted parents to decide if their children could be adopted by same-sex parents.
The other key amendment legitimised discrimination from faith-based adoption services against gay couples due to religious convictions.
New South Wales state member Clover Moore introduced the Adoption Amendment (Same-sex Couples) Bill to the NSW Legislative Assembly in June this year.
The bill was passed 46-44 votes in the Lower House of Parliament initially after the major parties allowed a conscience vote on September 2.
According to the NSW Parliamentary Hansard, the Legislative Council debated the bill on September 8, inserted their amendments and passed the legislation with a 22 to 15 votes win.
The following day, the legislation was returned to the Lower House where it racked up a 46 to 43 vote for the amendments.
Moore first broached the subject of same-sex adoption rights 10 years ago and told Out in Perth she was happy to see it through.
‘This is an historic win for children with same-sex parents and for the gay and lesbian community, which has worked hard to change community attitudes,’ Moore said.
‘Parliament has come a long way since I presented this legislation ten years ago – when not one MP supported me.
‘I was cautiously optimistic most of the way; however there were some moments of panic at the last minute because the numbers were close.’
Moore said it would be children with same-sex parents who will benefit from the legislation.
‘… Failing to legally recognise their relationship with both parents leaves them vulnerable if they need urgent medical treatment or if one parent gets sick or dies,’ she said.
‘It is the critics who put homophobia ahead of the best interests of the child.’
‘It is estimated more than 4,300 children live in same-sex couples’ families in Australia – the rest of the country needs to catch up with this social reality.’
NSW now brings the total of states that allow Same-sex adoption up to four, alongside WA and the ACT while Tasmania only allows biological parents to adopt.
Benn Dorrington
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