Support for adoptions by gay couples crosses political boundaries

Three private members’ bills which would enable same-sex adoption are either in the Parliamentary members’ ballot or are being drafted.

One of them is being developed by National’s Nikki Kay and Green’s Kevin Hague.

In an email to gayexpress on Monday Hague said “the cat’s out of the bag” after the National Party’s northern regional conference in Auckland last weekend passed a remit that supports adoption by couples who are in a civil union.

Hague confirmed that, “Nikki Kaye and I are working on an adoption reform Bill, which we hope will be ready soon and may be picked up by the Government.

“Contrary to the impression given by the Herald, it’s actually a comprehensive reform, but one of its features is clearing the way for adoption by same-sex couples (and other queer people actually).”

The National party’s national conference in July is expected to debate a gay adoption remit, although, should it be adopted as Government policy, such a matter would be a conscience vote in Parliament.

The Prime Minister John Key says he would give initial support to potential legislation to legalise adoption by gay couples.

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