Two mums to be named on birth certificates

by Samantha Robin

April 30, 2008

GAY and Christian lobbyists in WA disagree on the benefits of a New South Wales law that will recognise female same-sex parents who conceive a child through artificial fertilisation.

The new law will see two female same-sex partners named on a child’s birth certificate, giving the child two legally recognised guardians.

Gerard Goiran, WA director of the Christian Democratic Party said that to name same-sex couples on a child’s birth certificate was not in the best interest of the child.

“A child needs both a male and a female role model in order to have a comprehensive upbringing,” he said.

Mr Goiran also said it was selfish for same-sex couples to want rights over a child.

“What is paramount in this situation is what is in the best interest of the child, and it is not in their best interests to have same sex parents,” he said. “Men and women are very different and the genders complement each other.

“Heterosexual couples provide a unique experience to children.”

The law will grant equal rights to women in a de-facto relationship who have conceived a child though artificial fertilisation.

If the same Bill were to be passed in WA, it would give both parents the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare, and would give the child rights to the inheritance of both parents.

Sharlene Dixon, co-president of Pride WA said it was a fantastic step forward for same sex couples.

“When you have two parents who love and care for a child and want to be involved in their upbringing that is what is most important,” she said.

Currently in WA, only heterosexual couples who have children through artificial fertilisation are recognised as parents on a child’s birth certificate.