Lesbian parents call for passage of new law before elections

Groups representing the rights of the gay and lesbian community have called on the federal government to keep its promise regarding the automatic right to co-motherhood for lesbian couples. Speaking at a New Year reception in Antwerp at the weekend, Het Roze Huis and Çavaria expressed concern that the government might postpone a somewhat controversial measure until after the May elections.

The change to the law would allow both partners of a lesbian couple – and not just the biological mother – to be recognised automatically as legal parents. At present, the co-mother is required to adopt the child of her partner – a process that can take months.

“We want to have the same regulations that heterosexual couples enjoy,” said Marcia Poelman of the family platform Geestelijke Gezondheid and on the board of Het Roze Huis. “The argument that there is no biological link between the child and the co-mother is of no consequence. A heterosexual man is not required to give a DNA sample at the town hall to prove a genetic bond with his child.”

Guests at the reception, including federal justice minister Annemie Turtelboom, could sign a greeting card to prime minister Elio Di Rupo, which depicted two women with a baby. One woman is saying: “I waited nine months to be your mama,” while the other says, “I’m still waiting”. Supporters of the measure can download the cards and send them to politicians.

www.hetrozehuis.be

image credit

Het Rose Hues