The State Government of New South Wales has voted to keep in a place a ban on same-sex couples adopting children. The government based its decision on a "lack of support"  for a change of legislation.

A parliamentary enquiry had already found that lifting the ban would be beneficial for children wanting adoption.

Kellie McDonald, of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, said:
''If the NSW Government's primary concern was the interests of the children, it would rectify the discrimination of the NSW Adoption Act. I'm not sure what more can be done.''

Judy Brown, of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, said:
"To suggest that same-sex couples may not adopt is, on the basis of all the evidence available, patently discriminatory and simply highlights ignorance and bigotry''.