AME MEDIA RELEASE
April 9 2013
Applause for Liberal Party Conscience Vote
Tasmanian gay advocates have welcomed overwhelming support in the Lower House of State Parliament for the passage of legislation removing the ban on same-sex adoption, saying it is in the best interests of children.
This afternoon the Lower House voted by 18 to 4 to allow same-sex couples to be assessed as potential adoptive parents on the same basis as other couples.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said
“This Bill allows adoption authorities to choose from the widest pool of prospective parents and helps removes stigma against all families headed by same-sex couples.”
“In particular, it allows foster children already in the care of same-sex couples to be adopted by their foster parents when it is in their best interests.”
“Those who continue to oppose this bill are putting prejudice ahead of what is best for children.”
Mr Croome applauded the State Liberal Party for allowing a conscience vote on the Bill, resulting in half of all Liberal MPs crossing the floor to vote with the Labor and Green Parties.
“It is a sign of how far Tasmania has come that there is such strong cross-party support for this important legislation”, Mr Croome said.
Tasmanian same-sex couples are already treated equally in the law in regard to fertility treatment, surrogacy and step-parent adoption.
The Bill also allowed unmarried heterosexual couples to adopt.
The Bill stipulates that same-sex and unmarrried heterosexual couples must be in a state civil partnership before they can apply to adopt.
The Bill will now go to the Upper House.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.