Libs lend support to law change
NSW Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell has attempted to deflect a wedge in the Coalition by giving in principle support to the lesbian parenting reforms announced by Attorney General John Hatzistergos last month.
Minister for Women Verity Firth called on the Opposition to break its silence over the amendments notified this week and clarify statements by Federal Liberal leader Brendan Nelson against same-sex IVF.
I have no difficulty with the motion moved by [Firth], but I am waiting for Mr Hatzistergos to introduce legislation in the Upper House, O’Farrell told Parliament.
But Liberal MP Katrina Hodgkinson was concerned the reforms were overriding the best interests of children in appealing to sections of the community pushing a certain political agenda.
This matter is not about parents and it is not about who is next on the adoption list. Children, in particular, young babies, need stability in their lives, Hodgkinson said. Adoption is not included in the reforms introduced.
Firth and Labor MPs Carmel Tebbutt and Virginia Judge said they were proud to fix discrimination against same-sex families and their children highlighted recently in Sydney Star Observer.
