No rights are being taken away from two-parent married heterosexual families under the Care of Children Bill, therefore accusations that these families are being prejudiced against are unfounded, says Labour MP Tim Barnett. The accusations were levelled by the religious right-leaning Maxim Institute at a select committee hearing, who also alleged that gay parenting denies the child access to a mother or father, which is not in the best interests of the child. “Same-sex couples are aware of the need for female and male role models for children and have generally made arrangements. These arguments ignore that reality,” says Mr Barnett. “Studies certainly indicate that two-parent couples produce better outcomes for children (income and stability being vital) but none touch on the gender of the parents.” He describes the bill as a once-in-a-generation revamp of guardianship law which replaces provisions discriminating against parents and potential guardians because of their sexuality and not because of their parenting ability.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 4th December 2003 - 12:00pm