Rebecca Madsen from Gay Parents Australia

Rebecca Madsen from Gay Parents Australia

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Madsen, the founder of Gay Parents Australia.

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. As a new mum, Rebecca quickly discovered that there was a lack of support online for gay and lesbian parents, so decided to fix the problem- by creating her own website, as this story from the ABC makes plain.

Rebecca was keen on making sure that there are resources available for gay and lesbian parents, who according to the latest research, are doing a good job in caring for kids.

Good on her! We don’t have to earn a degree or even finish high school to become parents. For LGBTI newbie parents there has been a lack of support. After all it was only in 2012 and 2013 that in my home State of Queensland, for example, the Australian Christian Lobby ran the line, opposing the recognition of lesbian mums, and opposing surrogacy for gay, lesbian, and single intended parents- because, said the ACL every child deserved a mother and a father.

Is it any wonder that there has been a lack of support?

Good On Rebecca. I wish her and her website the best of luck. The more support that can help parents of kids, so that those kids are nurtured, and loved, and don’t fall between the cracks, the better.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

A Call for National Reform: Stephen Page’s Submission on Surrogacy to the ALRC

Australia’s surrogacy laws remain inconsistent and outdated, varying widely between states and lacking a unified, national approach. In response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review, renowned family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page has submitted a detailed and passionate proposal for reform.

What You Need to Know About Separation & Divorce

Contemplating separation or divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences in life. If you find yourself at this crossroads, it’s vital to approach the situation with foresight and preparation.

Should You Go to Iran for Surrogacy?

When it comes to surrogacy destinations, Iran is probably not the first country that springs to mind. Yet, surprisingly, Iran’s surrogacy laws share some striking similarities with those of California—a state known for its progressive and clear legal framework on assisted reproduction.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board