A public referendum would never have passed this bill, and I find it disgusting that it was passed. It is not due to homophobia, religious beliefs or any reason other than the anguish it will cause “normal” couples who cannot have children (we have 7 failed IVF cycles) and for whom adoption is the only option. Availability of children for adoption is low, and now homosexual couples, particularly gay men, will significantly increase the number of couples who wish to adopt. This puts us at even longer odds of ever raising a child, and will raise the costs of adoption. Many outwardly gay couples are extroverts earning good money, and are willing to pay any amount to try to be a “normal” couple with children. My wife and I have spent a lot of money on IVF, which we could not really afford but we did it for a child. IVF isn’t an option for many gay couples and now adoption is much easier to achieve, I don’t expect that we will ever be able to adopt.

Keneally and O'Farrell have signalled the direction of our NSW Parliament. Until today I have been a fan of Barry O'Farrell, but no longer. This bill is a disgrace and O'Farrells support proves that he is just as gutless and rudderless as Keneally's pathetic ALP. Who is asking about the children? Parliament is supposed to protect all vulnerable people. Who could be more vulnerable than an unwanted child? Keneally and O'Farrell are unworthy of their office, unworthy of our trust and unworthy of the votes of an electorate who are feeling more disregarded, dishonored and unrepresented than ever!

Wow... Heteros Only Forever, despite claiming that this isn't an orientation issue for you, you're certainly not making it sound that way. "Many outwardly gay couples are extroverts earning good money, and are willing to pay any amount to try to be a “normal” couple with children"?? Has it occurred to you that just because someone is in a homosexual relationship doesn't mean that they can't want children? I know several gay couples that would love kids; not from some desire to be seen as "normal", but because they want to have a child to love, raise and nurture. It sucks that you've had trouble; the thing is, these couples' only other option is, for lesbians, to find a sperm donor or friend willing to help out, and for gay men, to find a woman wiling to donate an egg and to carry their child (which is a very difficult thing to do). It's not fair to deny a couple (who have as much love to give as any hetero couple) something that they otherwise would never have.

How wrong is this. think about the child's life. will the child be mentally abused, harassed from other children, turn gay from the environment it is in, growing up embarrassed by the same sex parents, Children do follow what parents do. To me this is child abuse. Adopting a child in this situation, the child should be old enough to understand the circumstances.

Although I don't oppose this bill, I think its another prime example of how lobbying by fringe groups and political donations can influence legislation. Clover Moore being the prime instigator of this legislation, who is notoriously known as a champion of the 'Pink Dollar'.

small town, lots of small minded folk..

Same -sex adoption is ok but same sex marriage isn't ? ??

I know this is a move forward.....i was sexually and physically abused by my biological parents and ended up going from foster home to foster home most of my childhood in NSW. I just wanted a loving family and to be treated with respect. A gay couple who were related to one of my foster families were the only ones to take the time to understand me and give me hope for the future. They have been together now for 28 years and have never lost touch. They are my dads and now grandparents to my two children. Its not about gender. Ben and Family.

Geoff, I think I'd rather see a gay couple with plenty of cash to splash than a teenage couple where the "father" thinks his work has been done in getting the teen mum pregnant. Or the young drug addicted parents whos daily highlight is the train or bus trip to the Methadone clinic in town. Even hetero couples can mentally abuse children with their drug use, alcoholism, violence, warped views etc!

"turn gay from the environment it is in" by geoff. You know that you can't just 'turn' homosexual, right? I think this is a great idea. There are so many children in the foster system who are looked after by people in it for the money (not everyone, but some are). To go into a loving family is something children in that situation think only happens in dreams. I also believe that kids living in that family situation will come out being some of the most loving and accepting people without prejudice against most things.