NSW - Inquiry - Adoption by same-sex couples

The NSW government announced an Inquiry to investigate giving adoption rights to same-sex couples at the end of 2008!

Governments seem to like launching Inquiries at the end of the year, just when people are going on holiday!

The Minister for Community Services, the Hon Linda Burney MP, asked the NSW Parliament's Standing Committee on Law and Justice to conduct an inquiry into whether NSW adoption laws should be amended to allow same sex couples to adopt.

ACTION: If you live in NSW, you need to write a short submission/letter AND SEND it in by 13 February 2009.

Email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or mail to The Director, Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

In your response...
Check out the Terms of Reference to see the scope of the Inquiry...

Tell the Inquiry that a child needs a mother and a father. Social science research has confirmed that children do best when raised by their biological mother and father who are married. Children who are adopted are already missing out on this - it is our responsibility as a society to give them the best opportunities that we can. Adoption by same-sex couples is not in the best interests of the children.

There are very few children available for adoption - there is a long waiting list of heterosexual couples wanting to adopt.

DOCUMENTS and LINKS

Inquiry - website and details for submissions

Terms of Reference for Inquiry
[this is a direct link to the pdf - it is also posted at bottom of page on previous link -
the terms are also listed below]

Media Release announcing Inquiry

TERMS OF REFERENCE
That the Standing Committee on Law and Justice inquire into and report on law reform issues regarding whether NSW adoption laws should be amended to allow same sex couples to adopt, with particular reference to:

a. ascertaining whether adoption by same sex couples would further the objectives of the Adoption Act 2000

b. the experience in other Australian and overseas jurisdictions that allow the adoption of children by same sex couples

c. whether there is scope within the existing programs (local and international) for same sex couples to be able to adopt

d. examining the implications of adoption by same sex couples for children, and

e. if adoption by same sex couples will promote the welfare of children, then examining what legislative changes are required.