Assisted Reproductive Treatment Bill

The Victorian Parliament in Australia seem to be debating some interesting legislation at the moment. After the post the other day on abortion and some subsequent surfing of the web, I have discovered that the Victorians are also looking to pass a bill that will provide reproduction assistance to lesbians, single women, and couples.

It seems the bill has become known as the lesbian fertility bill. However, the bill is clearly much more than that. Yet, it might seem to some to be an attack on the traditional family unit, as it is clear that lesbians and single women would have a right of access to fertility assistance and treatment.

The bill has passed the lower house with a reasonably comfortable vote of 47 - 34. The bill now goes to the upper house. The vote though highlights that the Liberal - National coalition all voted against the bill and so did four members of the government.

I wonder if the objection to the bill, by some members of parliament and the community, includes a belief that lesbian parents and single mothers would not make good parents or role models for their children? I need to search a little farther and wider to find out on this one.

Personally, I do not think that it matters whether you are lesbian, gay, or single when it comes to whether you will be a good parent. Let's face it there are plenty of examples of non-lesbian, non-gay, and non-single parents who are struggling to raise well-adjusted kids.