Australia's First Equality Minister Vows to Amend Laws to Allow Child Adoption For Same-Sex Couples

Australia's first Equality Minister Martin Foley has promised to amend gay state adoption laws. The new minister is planning to push for greater equality by allowing same-sex couples to adopt children in Victoria.

The appointment of Foley as Equality Minister was the first time for an Australia government to dedicate an official to oversee equality in issues affecting the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. Only hours after his appointment as part of the Andrews government, he has vowed to align Victoria's state adoption laws with the ACT, NSW, Tasmania and Western Australia, according to The Age.

Same-sex couples in Victoria currently do not have the right to adopt children together but can be appointed as their foster parents or guardians. They are not allowed to adopt a child who has been under their care for years. Foley revealed Labour is prepared to address other inequalities including the inability of adopting a partner's child or a child conceived through IVF. The new minister's plans were welcomed by the LGBT community but some members have expressed their concern since a review will take place before legislation is introduced into parliament.

Foley added that Labour was also committed to amend laws to allow the mothers of children they were forced to give up gain access to information. He said it was necessary to conduct a review to ensure no problems would arise in drafting the amendments. Aside from state adoption laws, Foley said equal opportunity laws will be amended to make it difficult for religious organisations to discriminate against employees because of their sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Same-sex couples who were married in other countries may be recognised in Victoria following the Relationships Register amendment.

Meanwhile, while same-sex marriage advocates welcome Senator David Leyohjelm's Freedom to Marry bill, Prime Minister Tony Abbott was "not enthusiastic" about it, according to the Liberal Democrat in an SMH report. The senator told reporters that Mr Abbott was not eager about the legislation as he believes the government still has a lot on its plate without the bill adding to it. Leyonhjelm revealed that the prime minister preferred the senator not to introduce the bill to parliament.

In a dinner meeting with Mr Abbott, Leyonhjelm told him about plans to legalise same-sex marriage in the country since he believes that the "time is right" for the legislation. The senator said he supports equality in marriage as people have the right to choose who they want to marry.