Queensland allows LGBTI couples, singles to adopt
Queensland’s Parliament has passed an historic Bill to remove discrimination in adoption for the first time. The Adoption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 removes discrimination in the Adoption Act 2009 to now allow same sex couples, singles and those undergoing fertility treatment to be eligible to adopt.
The removal of discrimination against same sex couples brings Queensland into line with all other states and territories, with the exception of South Australia (which has its own Bill to remove discrimination in adoption) and the Northern Territory.
The Bill also makes it easier for those adopted before June 1991 to be able to find their family of origin.
The Bill received Royal assent on 11 November 2016.
The Bill requires a person, if part of a couple, to apply as a couple — but if they have separated, then a person can apply alone: there is no need in the case of married couples to wait for divorce. The two-year eligibility requirement for relationships has been removed.