The Australian government has announced new legislation that would block gay and lesbian couples from adopting foreign children. The bill, prohibiting recognition of foreign adoptions, will be introduced in the Parliament's next session, which begins next week. Queensland Democrat senator Guy Bartlett has slammed the legislation, warning it as an example of the government's “wedge politics”, intentionally divisive prior to this year's election. "It won't even prevent an adoption; it will just leave children who have been adopted with reduced legal and social recognition and protection, and a less stable family environment," Senator Bartlett wrote on website. "As soon as the family walks through Australian customs, the child will cease to have two legal parents and one of the parents will cease to have any legal rights or responsibilities for their child." LGBT groups have also expressed dismay with Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Rodney Croome saying the bill “threatens to legally sunder existing families." While many Australian states have legalised rights for gay couples, the federal government firmly defines marriage between a man and a woman. Prime Minister John Howard has confirmed opposition to gay marriage despite an ongoing Human Rights and Equal Opportunity ‘s investigation into the inequalities faced by same-sex couples. Ref: Gay.com UK (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 3rd February 2007 - 12:00pm