Family Court of Australia - R & J and Anor [2006] FamCA 1398

FAMILY LAW - CHILDREN - Application by father as donor for contact to child born of artificial insemination - Child living with mother and co- parent in same-sex union - Bitterly contested applications resolved with defining of "family" and role of the donor in these circumstances - Observations made concerning status of known sperm donor and impact upon children of enduring conflict between parents - Order for costs in favour of the Independent Children's Lawyer refused.

[Link: Court Decision]

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Sociology - "Stigma or respect: lesbian-parented families negotiating school settings" by Lindsay, Jo; Perlesz, Amaryll; Brown, Rhonda; McNair, Ruth;

Qualitative family interviews were conducted with lesbian parented families in Melbourne to explore the dialectic between schools and families. While in many schools family members were stigmatised and burdened by secrecy and fear about their family configuration, there was a significant minority who felt respected and supported in their school environments, finding acceptance socially and within the curriculum. The contextual factors, including location and family formation, are discussed, and opportunities for change are identified.

[Source: Sociology v.40 no.6 Dec 2006: 1059-1077]

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