Couples can now jointly adopt in the state.

Legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt has passed in the Victorian Parliament.

In a debate that took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Lower House, the bill passed unopposed. The Opposition was given a free vote.

The Adoption Amendment Bill allows same-sex couples the same rights in adoption laws as gay and lesbian individuals as well as heterosexual couples.

The amended version of the Adoption Amendment Bill was accepted by labor but still gives religious agencies the right to refuse adoption to same-sex couples.

Amelia Basset, the Co-Convenor of Rainbow Families Council said, “We are thrilled to have achieved a law reform that we’ve pursued for over a decade, and we are especially thrilled for the hundreds of families that will be positively impacted by the reform. This reflects the growing understanding among legislators and the broader community that it’s love that makes a family, not just biology.”

Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Co-Convenor Sean Mulcahy spoke about his disappointment that the religious exemptions clause was not removed.  He said, “We will continue to advocate for a broader review of religious exemptions with a view to ensuring no lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex person is turned away from services simply because of who they are. We firmly believe that children’s rights, welfare and best interests must never be trumped by the religious beliefs of a state-funded service provider.”

Basset added, “Our campaign is, and has always been, about the rights and best interests of children. We are exasperated and frustrated that religious exemptions remain in place but pleased that the majority of faith-based service providers support this reform.”

Mulcahy pointed out that “This reform marks an end to the last Victorian law to directly discriminate against same-sex couples. We will not stop until all LGBTI Victorians are treated equally in both laws and policies.”