There's not much in the Civil Union Act for parents, says lesbian mum Susan Iverson. Although touted by conservatives as an identical copy of the Marriage Act, gay couples entering a civil union won't find parental rights automatically bestowed upon them as straight couples do when they marry. Ms Iverson says she would like to see automatic guardianship for the partner of the birth mother following civil unions, and that lesbian parents should be able to take this next step now there is greater acceptance of them in society. The Law Commission is currently investigating possibilities in this area. The Care of Children Act provides some protections for lesbian parents, but none for gay male parents.