Stonewall celebrates historic victory
Stonewall is celebrating last night's historic vote by MPs to end discrimination against lesbian parents seeking access to fertility services. MPs voted by 292 to 217 and 290 to 222 to retain new measures in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill which will mean that in future fertility clinics take account of the presence of 'supportive parenting' rather than the previous 'need for a father', a requirement which was frequently used to deny lesbian couples access to fertility services.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: 'We know that the families of lesbian and gay people are every bit as caring and loving and tender, and magical, as any other. What really matters now is that no lesbian parents will ever again be forced to use backstreet fertility services if their local clinic turns them away.'
'Stonewall has lobbied tirelessly for months on this part of the Bill and we did everything we could to persuade MPs to vote for equality. The new law does not send out a message that fathers are not needed; it simply recognises the diverse make-up of families in 21st century Britain. The clear message it does send out is that a loving, supportive family is paramount to the needs of a child.'
The new legislation is now almost certain to become law as passage through the House of Lords was secured earlier this year.
Contact: Gary Nunn, Communications Officer, 020 7593 1856
back to top