Claudia Geiringer A barrister who won a landmark case which could pave the way for same-sex couples to adopt will speak at a Rainbow Wellington function next week. In June, the High Court ruled that a straight de facto couple could adopt, despite the 1955 Adoption Act, which states only married couples or individuals may do so. The two High Court judges ruled the term 'spouses' applies to de facto couples, saying the determining factor of 'spouses' was that a committed relationship existed. Although they stated the ruling applied only to heterosexual couples, the judges said it would break down a barrier and open the doors for other appeals, raising questions about whether the courts would expand the ruling to include same sex relationships. Rainbow Wellington has arranged for the couple's barrister Claudia Geiringer to speak on the subject on Thursday 19 August at Kitty O'Shea's Bar, 28 Courtenay Place, starting at 6pm. The group says Geiringer will speak about the case itself, the Bill of Rights issues involved, the input from the Attorney-General, how the case was won, and possible strategies for the next step. It says she is willing to take questions and input from the floor. "Claudia is also a wonderful speaker. As well as practising as a barrister, she lectures on the Bill of Rights at Victoria University. She understands all the issues and is well aware of the issues for same-sex couples," Rainbow Wellington says. "This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss any Bill of Rights, human rights, equality, constitutional issues with someone who has in-depth knowledge, understanding and experience in these areas." Rainbow Wellington is hoping many same-sex couples with children will have the opportunity to attend and hear her speak.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 10th August 2010 - 7:58pm