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ARTICLE · 09 DECEMBER 2016

Equal Rights For Parents - New Laws Effective January 1st

The Ross Firm
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Ontario's parentage laws haven't budged for almost 40 years - way back in 1978. Come January 1st, parents, whether straight or LGBTQ@+, will have an easier time gaining legal recognition as parents.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial
The Ross Firm
The Ross Firm

Authored by Jenn McMillan

If Sam Oosterhoff had been in the legislature on Tuesday, he'd probably have opposed. But the province's youngest and newest MPP wasn't sworn in until the following day, and now, Ontario's All Families Are Equal Act, 2016 is a done deal.

Back in June when we first wrote on the topic, Premier Kathleen Wynn was on a mission to have Bill 28 passed by year-end. She's made good - the new rules kick in on New Year's Day, 2017.

Why The Need For Change?

Ontario's parentage laws haven't budged for almost 40 years - way back in 1978. Come January 1st, parents, whether straight or LGBTQ@+, will have an easier time gaining legal recognition as parents.

Prior to the changes, couples who use assisted reproduction often find themselves jumping through cumbersome legal hoops over parentage. Birth certificates currently allow for the registration of one mother and one "father/other". But in assisted reproduction, there's always a trio - a fact

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