State politicians began debating the Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) Bill on Tuesday.

The bill, which is the result of five years of lobbying and campaigning, will allow for lesbians and single women to access ART in Victoria. It will also allow for legal recognition of the non-biological mother whose partner gives birth to a child conceived via ART.

Felicity Marlowe from Rainbow Families Council said: “We are hoping that politicians use their conscience vote and realise that all children deserve equality under the law. This is an opportunity for all parliamentarians to provide our children with human rights and dignity.”

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu and National Leader Peter Ryan will not be voting for the legislation, however Premier Brumby will support the bill.
State Labor Member for Prahran and Cabinet Secretary Tony Lupton has also declared his support for the bill.

“Access to assisted reproductive technologies should not be affected by sexual orientation or marital status, as neither determines the ability of parents and would-be parents to provide a loving and caring environment for their children,” Lupton said.

“This bill is a natural progression for Victorian law. It will bring the law into line with modern technologies and community sentiment and will provide security to those Victorians that require access to this treatment to start a family.

“I know the joy and happiness that the passing of this bill will bring to all the would-be parents who currently do not have access assisted reproductive technologies.”

Labor and Coalition MPs will take a conscience vote on the legislation.

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