GLBT rights groups and activists have lauded the passage through Federal Parliament of the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters and Other Measures) Bill 2008, which was passed on Monday.

The bill grants equal access to the Family Court for same-sex de facto couples upon the breakdown of a relationship, and recognises same-sex families for the purposes of child-related proceedings and child support.

Keeping to their promise, the Federal Government bill was supported by the Federal Opposition. Only Family First opposed the bill.

“The passage of this legislation now brings Federal laws into line with most state and territory parenting laws,” said Corey Irlam from the Australian Coalition for Equality.

“[This] sends a message to states still dragging their feet on equal parenting to get a move on.”

 Irlam said the recognition of same-sex parents was “arguably the most controversial aspect of those reforms needed to provide the equality in Federal law”.

“The fact it has been supported by the Senate gives us hope further reforms in areas like superannuation will pass with overwhelming support.”

The government’s remaining Same-Sex Superannuation Bill and Same-Sex General Law Reform Bill are to be debated in the Senate this week.

“There have been many inquiries, consultations and delays since these bills were introduced earlier this year, so we call on the Parliament to finalise the Senate debate on the remaining two bills this week,” Irlam concluded.

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