- Published:
- Sunday 22 February 2015
Same-sex adoption in Victoria is a step closer, with Minister for Equality, Martin Foley today announcing the terms of reference and the timeframe for a review of laws to establish what changes are needed.
The Andrews Labor Government will honour its election commitment and remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children in relation both to known-parent adoption and adoption generally.
The Government has commissioned a review, to be conducted by Eamonn Moran PSM QC, to consider the legal changes required to permit adoption of children by same-sex couples under Victorian law. The review is to report to the Minister by 8 May 2015.
The review will examine how best to legislate for adoption equality, not whether or not the change should happen. Any legal changes will be based on the over-arching principle of the best interests of the child.
Interested parties are invited to make submissions to the review by 23 March 2015. They can visit dpc.vic.gov.au/samesexadoption(opens in a new window), email SameSexAdoption@dpc.vic.gov.au or write to:
The Secretariat
Adoption by Same Sex Couples Review
Department of Premier and Cabinet,
1 Treasury Place
Melbourne VIC 3002
The Government has also committed to a separate broad review of Victoria’s adoption laws.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality, Martin Foley
“Many same-sex couples and their families find themselves unrecognised under the law, leaving parents and children facing long-term insecurity about their future with the people they love.”
“Our review will tell us the best ways to legislate for adoption equality, to make sure we get it right.”
“I am committed to working with Victoria’s LGBTI communities to abolish every last bit of discrimination from our laws and services.”