Provest against gay adoption

Conscience vote: Tweed MP Geoff Provest voted against the Bill.

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A VOTE to allow homosexual couples to adopt children has brought gay marriage a step closer, according to Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest.

Mr Provest voted against the adoption legislation, but said he was considering the children rather than the potential adopted parents when he cast his vote.

After two days of debate the bill was passed by just two votes.

“I voted against it,” Mr Provest said.

“I understand there is a lot of loving in same-sex relationships but I think the desired thing is heterosexual.

“I don't have a problem with it (same-sex relationships); I really don't.”

Mr Provest said he felt his vote reflected the people of Tweed.

“I asked for public comment. I received about a dozen letters opposing it and only one from Uki in favour. I try with these conscience votes to reflect the views of my local electorate.”

Mr Provest said he had previously supported bills relating to the rights of same-sex couples, concerning things like superannuation.

“I didn't speak in the debate. It was fairly intense.

“I thought some of the speakers for and against were missing the point, that the number one goal was the children. They're the most important part of this whole equation.

Feathers Women's Social Club president Jean Edwards said not allowing same sex couples to adopt was discrimination.

Miss Edwards, from the Gold Coast's longest-running gay women's group, said it was unfair not to allow same-sex couples to adopt.

“We're just as equal as a straight couple,” the Currumbin Waters resident said. “Give us a chance.

“I know people who are gay that have adopted and there's nothing wrong there. The children are happy and loved.”

Miss Edwards was a foster carer a few years ago on the New South Wales North Coast.

“I was a bit scared of fostering, being gay,” she said. “So I went to the department and came clean and they said don't insult us, that's fine.

“Over four years I had about eight to 10 kids and one of them I still keep in touch with.”

Miss Edwards said she would love to be allowed to adopt a child with her partner one day.

Another same-sex couple, which the Tweed Daily News featured in June, Sarah and Michelle Garnett, said equal rights had come a long way, with same-sex couples and single women able to access fertility treatment.

“The desire to have children is universal, and couples will go to great lengths to fulfil this desire,” Sarah said.

“It's fantastic how the laws don't discriminate any more.”

Independent Sydney MP Clover Moore introduced the historic bill to parliament with amendments on Wednesday.

Ms Moore said the bill recognised the estimated 1300 children either reared by same-sex foster couples or the child of a partner.