Premier

Andrews Government Delivers Adoption Equality – While The Coalition Votes To Continue Discrimination Against Same-Sex Families

12 November 2015

Minister for Equality Martin Foley today welcomed the vote of the Legislative Council to deliver Adoption Equality, but has condemned the Liberal Party for voting to retain discrimination against same-sex families.

The Legislative Council, in passing the Adoption by Same-Sex Couples Amendment Bill, has still allowed adoption organisations to discriminate in the delivery of government adoption services.

Not one Liberal or National MP voted to remove religious exemptions for faith-based organisations which permit discrimination against same-sex families and their children.

This is despite almost all of the organisations in question supporting Labor's changes.

Every Labor MP voted to remove all levels of discrimination.

After taking orders from Matthew Guy, Mary Wooldridge and David Davis stood alongside Bernie Finn, and every other Coalition MP, to vote against ending all discrimination.

By voting to continue discrimination against same-sex and diverse families, David Davis confirmed that he is the Shadow Equality Minister in name only.

Equality should not be negotiable.

Eliminating discrimination against the LGBTI community is a key election commitment of the Andrews Labor Government.

The Government will consult with stakeholders to consider how it will respond to the amendment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley

“Today we created history in Victoria and took a step closer to equality for thousands of same-sex families. Labor is proud of our equality agenda.”

"Matthew Guy has let down all Victorians who support equality, including thousands of rainbow families across our State.”

"Matthew Guy has confirmed that he is the leader of the same old, tired, and out-of-touch Liberal Party that was rejected by Victorians 12 months ago.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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