Parental rights for divorcing lesbian couples
From BBC
Changes in the law now mean that anyone can be named as the co-parent when a child is conceived via donor insemination - assuming the mother is not married or in a civil partnership. In most cases though, that person will be the biological mother’s partner or husband. It means that people who are not married can take on the same parenting responsibilities as those who are. It also means that same sex couples have identical legal standing as heterosexual ones; and the same duties to the child should the relationship break down. So is it easier when two women split up and have to work out child access arrangements, or can it be just as - or even more - acrimonious? Jenni is joined by Alison Burt, a solicitor who specialises in children’s cases, and by Dr Catherine Donovon, a Reader at Sunderland University, who has written extensively about lesbian and gay families.
South African Lesbians - Fighting Homophobia
From BBC
The South African government is set to legalise gay marriages, and become the first country on the African continent to do so.
However, there is a great deal of intolerance in the townships of gay and lesbian lifestyles. Earlier this year a lesbian rights campaigner was murdered just outside Johannesburg, highlighting the growing problem of hate crimes.
Lesbian groups are fighting back and challenging homophobia. Nick Miles reports from Johannesburg
From BBC
Why is it so difficult to get films with a lesbian theme into production?
Films like The Killing of Sister George, Go Fish, or Boys Don't Cry made a big impact, but successful films made by lesbians or depicting lesbian relationships are nonetheless few and far between.
If you're a film-maker who happens to be a lesbian, is it best to keep quiet about it? As the National Film Theatre begins a season of lesbian cinema, Martha speaks to Briony Hanson, the season's programmer and to film-maker, Lisa Gornick.
Gay & Lesbian Adoption
From BBC
Ever since the change in law in 2005 allowing same–sex couples to jointly adopt children, an increasing number of gay men and lesbian couples have decided to go through the process. For the first time a book specifically for lesbians and gay men wishing to adopt a child is being published to provide help and advice. Jane is joined by Nicola Hill, the author of The Pink Guide to Adoption; Jeffrey Coleman from the British Association for Adoption & Fostering; and a couple who have recently adopted.
'The Pink Guide to Adoption for lesbians and gay men', by Nicola Hill, is published by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, ISBN is 978-1905-664-68-9
