Fathers Defended

June 4th, 2008

Rev. Fred Nile - Media Release

The Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, was successful in defending the role of Fatherhood in the NSW Parliament House last night. After a passionate debate on the Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill that went for several hours and lasted late into the evening, Rev Nile was successful in passing amendments which ensured that recognition of fathers and paternity would be retained in law.

“The Same Sex Relationships Bill sought to afford lesbian defacto partners the same legal status as biological fathers but, in doing so, it proposed to remove reference to fathers and paternity.

I thank my colleagues in the Legislative Council for their support in ensuring we retained recognition of fathers and paternity in law. I’m pleased that we have managed to look beyond our own political differences and agendas to come together in recognising the important role fathers play in the lives of their children, our future generations. I pray this House continues to do all it can to help support and assist fathers and mothers in our community”, Rev Fred Nile stated last night.

Rev Nile had two of his three amendments supported by all Members of the Legislative Council with the exception of the four Green Party Members who voted against recognition of paternity.

Rev Nile’s third amendment that included provision for conscientious objection to proposed provisions under the Anti-Discrimination Act was rejected as being outside the objects of the Bill.

“I do not believe the Government has fully considered how the provision could be used or abused by vexatious people, stated Rev Nile. “The Anti-Discrimination Act now affords additional ‘protection’ for lesbian relationships, despite already having protection for homosexuals under Part 4C of the Act. I guess now we just have to trust in the goodwill of lesbian couples that they do not take offence to references to Fatherhood, the existence of Paternal functions, groups and events that are a traditional feature of the heterosexual community.”

For Media Interviews contact:

Rev Fred Nile
(02) 9230 2478 or 0418 619 731

Research Assistant:
David Copeland
(02) 9230 2978