"Members [of parliament] were unable to reach a consensus, reflecting divisions on this issue in the wider community." Said Community Services Minister Linda Burney
"As a result of these concerns, the government is not satisfied there is broad enough community support to justify new state legislation at this stage."
Burnley is cowering to homophobes: "The committee was given examples of successful parenting and fostering by gay and lesbian couples, and in these case studies, adoption provided permanence, stability and security which are so important for children.
"However, I am also aware that there are very deeply held, divergent views on this issue and that is why a decision on this matter will not be taken at this stage."
Kellie McDonald from the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has slammed the move as discriminatory: "We believe that, politics aside, if the government's primary concern is the best interests of the child, that they should act swiftly to remove the discrimination in the Adoption Act to ensure all children are protected under the law," she said.
Gay adoption is still legal in Western Australia (see video below), and the ACT. Adoption of a partner's biological child is possible in Victoria, and non-biological parents can place his or her name on their partner's birth certificate (however, gay couples are still unable to adopt other children).
Second class citizens we remain.
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