“Modernising our adoption laws reflect the diversity of families today.”
Same-sex couples can finally adopt children in all Australian states and territories!
Northern Territory passed the Legislative Assembly yesterday (13 March) after being introduced in November, becoming the last jurisdiction to reform its adoption law.
Anna Brown – director of Legal Advocacy – praised the new law, which was achieved by the Adoption of Children Legislation Amendment (Equality) Bill 2017.
“The Northern Territory joins the rest of Australia in recognising that what matters most is that children grow up in loving and safe homes – regardless of the gender of the people that care for them.
‘The passage of adoption equality will make a significant difference to children who are already being raised in loving homes by same-sex couples. This will finally give them the emotional and legal stability that’s long overdue.”
She continued: “Now that marriage equality has passed nationally, it’s important we bring the laws in every state in line with modern community values and remove every last stain of discrimination against LGBTI people from the statute books across this country.
Dale Wakefield – Minister for Territory Familes in NT – said: “All couples, regardless of marital status or gender, who genuinely want to provide children with a loving, caring and safe home environment, should have the legal right to apply.”
“Modernising our adoption laws reflect the diversity of Territory families today.”
Same-sex couples in the NT were only able to raise children in foster care or permanent care, and were denied the right to adopt.
The fantastic change in Australia’s adoption laws comes three months after the country legalised same-sex marriage.
Only five lawmakers registered their opposition to the bill, and the news of its passing was met with standing ovation by MPs in the House of Representatives.
The vote in parliament came following a voluntary, non-binding postal survey on the issue of same-sex marriage, which saw 61.6% of Australians vote in favour of equality.
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