JOHANNESBURG, March 31, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that in vitro twins born two years ago to a lesbian living with her female partner are “legitimate,” a term that until now has been reserved for children born born in wedlock. In issuing the ruling, the court determined that section 5 of the Children’s Status Act is unconstitutional because it recognizes only the birth mother as a rightful parent. The child’s father, by donation of his seed, was anonymous. But the court said the law must now recognize both same-sex partners as the parents. “Comprehensive legislation regularising relationships between gay and lesbian persons is necessary,” said Mr. Justice Richard Goldstone for the majority, to amend the discriminatory” provisions. “It is unsatisfactory for the courts to grant piecemeal relief to members of the gay and lesbian community as and when aspects of their relationships are found to be prejudiced by unconstitutional legislation.” For local coverage: https://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,6119,2-7-1442_1339777,00.html and https://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=129&fArticleId=102375
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SOUTH AFRICA TOP COURT RULES LESBIAN’S IVF TWINS ‘LEGITIMATE’
JOHANNESBURG, March 31, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that in vitro twins born two years ago to a lesbian living with her female partner are “legitimate,” a term that until now has been reserved for children born born in wedlock. In issuing the ruling, the court determined that section 5 of the Children’s Status Act is unconstitutional because it recognizes only the birth mother as a rightful parent. The child’s father, by donation of his seed, was anonymous. But the court said the law must now recognize both same-sex partners as the parents. “Comprehensive legislation regularising […]
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