[Greens-Media] Greens give ALP second chance on same sex IVF and adoption rights

[Susie Gemmell]

MEDIA RELEASE
26 June 2007


Greens give ALP second chance on same sex IVF and adoption rights

Greens MP and same sex spokesperson Lee Rhiannon will move a motion in
NSW Parliament this week to give the NSW Labor government the
opportunity to show their support for IVF and adoption rights for same
sex couples.  

“The Greens are taking this action as we are keen to work with Labor
to promote same sex rights,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“It was disappointing that last month Labor in the federal parliament
voted with the Coalition government to defeat a Greens motion moved by
Senator Kerry Nettle in support of IVF and adoption rights for same sex
couples.

“At the time federal Labor tried to justify their position by saying
it was a state matter.

“Labor is been offered a second chance to support same sex rights to
access IVF and adoption.

“Here is Labor’s chance to send the right message to the LGBTI
community that it will support an end to discrimination on same sex
adoption and IVF. 

“The motion calls on the NSW Government to provide IVF treatment and
adoption rights to all people, regardless of their sexuality.

“The motion follows a publication by the Victorian Law Reform
Commission Assisted Reproductive Technology & Adoption: Final Report
which acknowledged that having single, lesbian or gay parents does not
pose any risk to the well-being of children. 

“Australia has fallen well behind other Western countries when it
comes to fair legal treatment for same-sex couples.

“Many European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Iceland,
Denmark, Sweden and Spain and the UK allow same sex adoption. 

“By voting against the motion, both the Federal Government and
Opposition denied same sex couples their basic rights. This was a big
step backwards for equality,’ said Ms Rhiannon.  

The Greens will seek to have the motion voted on in Parliament as early
as this week.


For more information:  Lee Rhiannon – 0427 861 568


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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon (p/t Mon-Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Mobile:  0431 458 102
Ph: (02) 9230 3551 
Fax: (02) 9230 3550
susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
www.leerhiannon.org.au