Hi everyone,

We know it has been quite some time since we were last able to update you regarding our petition.  

Until now, deadlines for implementation of Sections 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 had been very generalised, always missed and we've just been waiting.

Today yielded some happy news.  Minister Simon Harris signed the commencement orders and regulations that will allow same-sex parents to legally register BOTH of their names on their child's birth certificate from 5th May 2020.  

Section 9 of the Act is ready to go, once Parts 2 and 3 come into effect and you can be sure we will be first in line at our local office of Births, Deaths and Marriages to re-register our daughter's birth.  

While today is to be considered progress and a very welcome end to a very long struggle for lots of families, including our own, we are painfully aware that not all LGBT families are included in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.  In fact, most aren't.  

The Assisted Human Reproduction Bill will introduce coverage for more family units but unfortunately still not all.  

We will keep our petition open until we physically hold a new birth certificate for our daughter and we will continue to fight for those who are still waiting.  

Today's news should be celebrated and should be considered to be a battle won even if the war is not yet over.  

Thank you for sticking with us and for all of your support.  Your signatures on our petition have all helped us reach this day.  

Please continue to support our LGBT community who are still in limbo.

Thanks again,

Amanda and Lesley xXx