NSW in rights push for lesbian mums

The New South Wales Government wants a federal law amended so children of lesbian couples can seek child support if their parents separate.

State Attorney-General John Hatzistergos says co-mothers are not recognised in Family Court proceedings under the current laws.

Mr Hatzistergos says he will ask the Federal Government to change the Family Law Act to include lesbian parents at a meeting of attorneys-general this week.

"It's important that the laws be amended to ensure that these children are treated in the same way that children of heterosexual relationships are, so that in the event that the parents split up, there is an entitlement for that child to be able to seek child support from co-mothers," he said.

"It's important to recognise that these relationships exist and these children exist, whatever one might think about them.

"And bearing in mind those facts, it's logical to ensure that we have a civilised way of ensuring the economic security of these children."

The State Government last month expanded the rights of NSW children with lesbian parents, clearing the way for children from lesbian couples to inherit money from and receive workers' compensation on behalf of their non-birth parent.

The reforms allowed both mothers to appear on their child's birth certificate.