Future of surrogacy amendments unclear

Planned amendments to altruistic surrogacy laws in Queensland that would ban same-sex couples, single people and couples in relationship of less than two years have reportedly been shelved.

According to an article released by Fairfax Media today, the legislation to restrict surrogacy rights was “quietly shelved” sometime last year after moderate members of the LNP government questioned the urgency of the bill and expressed apprehension in supporting the amendments.

These members apparently concluded that the amendments were not a “priority”, according to Fairfax.

The shelving of the legislation has been denied by the premier’s office.

“No decision has been made. The government is still considering this matter,” a spokesperson for the premier told the Star Observer.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie (pictured) proposed restrictions on altruistic surrogacy last June as the government was debating the roll back of civil union legislation.

Bleijie said the LNP would introduce a bill of amendments to the Surrogacy Act to ban same-sex couples, singles and de facto couples from entering into altruistic surrogacy.

The attorney-general’s office said in November that the amendments were “an important law reform issue and as such will be given necessary consideration”.

Queensland Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Premier must clarify his government’s position on surrogacy laws.

“There are reports that the Attorney-General has quietly dropped plans to amend laws to ban access to surrogacy services by heterosexual de facto couples, single women and same-sex couples,” Palaszczuk said.

“Our current laws are consistent with laws across Australia and we don’t want Queensland going backwards under Jarrod Bleijie’s plans.

“The Premier’s office is today saying no decision has been made, yet before the election the Premier said: ‘We’re not making any changes to the laws on those matters.’

“The Premier must make a clear statement today on the position of his government.”