Tasmanian Labor Supports Same Sex Adoption

TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP
Media Release

Saturday August 6th 2011

LABOR CONFERENCE SUPPORT FOR SAME-SEX ADOPTION WELCOMED


CALL ON TAS GOV TO ACT SWIFTLY ON ADOPTION EQUALITY

Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed the State Labor Conference's support for same-sex adoption. The motion in favour of equal adoption laws was passed late this afternoon by a significant majority.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, called on the State Government to act swiftly on the Labor motion by introducing legislation to allow same-sex couples to adopt.

"Tasmania's unequal adoption laws send the message that same-sex parents and their families are second-rate", Mr Croome said.
"They also prevent same-sex adoption when it is in the best interests of the child, including where a child is being fostered by a same-sex couple."

Since 2003 step-parent adoption has been available to same-sex couples in Tasmania, but they are barred from adopting children relinquished by other people.

Only one or two Tasmanian children a year require adoption by non-related couples, but same-sex couples are permitted to foster and there are instances where the foster child would benefit from adoption by his or her same-sex foster parents.

Earlier this year the Tasmanian Government moved to legalise altruistic surrogacy arrangements, including those involving same-sex couples.
The State Labor Conference is expected to debate a motion in support of same-sex marriage tomorrow.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0499 010 668.