[Greens-Media] ALP votes with the Government against same sex IVF and adoption rights

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

ALP votes with the Government against same sex IVF and adoption rights 

18.06.07

"Labor Party support for same sex couples appears to have taken a
further backward step after they decided to vote with the Government to
oppose a Greens' motion in the Senate in support of same sex rights to
access IVF and adoption," Australian Greens Senator for NSW Kerry Nettle
said today

"After the tragedy of the ALP supporting the Howard Government's ban on
same sex marriage, the ALP's credibility in this area is looking even
more shaky", Senator Nettle said.

"When the Labor Government of Victoria's own Law Reform Commission
releases a report that identifies the discrimination in the current law,
it really is surprising that the Federal Labor party doesn't agree. 

"It's disappointing to see the ALP and Howard government running away
from this issue. 
  
"The Greens will continue during the election and beyond to campaign to
remove all discrimination that same sex couples face," said Senator
Nettle.
The full text of the Greens Motion reads: 
 
That the Senate notes: 
(a) the publication of the Victorian Law Reform Commission's Assisted
Reproductive Technology Adoption: Final Report recommending 'that the
requirement that women must be married or in relationships with men to
access clinical services needs to be removed from the legislation' and
'that same sex couples should be allowed to apply to adopt children' and
stating that 'research shows that having single, lesbian or gay parents
does not pose a risk to children's wellbeing' and

(b) calls on the federal government to work with all states and
territories to provide IVF treatment and adoption rights to all people,
regardless of their sexuality.

More information: Kristian Bolwell 0411638320