Proposed law to give same-sex parents equal rights

The draft law is due to be debated by the States in February 2024

Same-sex parents in Jersey will have the same legal rights as mixed-sex parents if new legislation is approved.

The government said the draft law, lodged on Thursday, would allow both parents to be named on a birth certificate.

It said it would "secure the rights of all children and young people to have a legally recognised family structure".

Deputy Louise Doublet, assistant minister for children and education, said that, if approved, it would ensure all families were "treated fairly in the eyes of the law".

She said: “If this law is approved by the States Assembly, it will mean that Jersey is the first Channel Island to enshrine the rights of same-sex parents in law.

"It would mean that all families are given the legal recognition they deserve."

The legislation, which the government said had been in preparation since April 2021, would make changes to the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 and Marriage and Civil Status (Jersey) Law 2001.

It would mean the government would meet its obligations as a signatory to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child - ensuring children's rights were protected in law and in practice.

The draft law is due to be debated by the States Assembly on 6 February 2024.