Same-sex couples in Jersey will finally be granted equal parental rights this month in what has been hailed as a “huge milestone for LGBTQ+ islanders and their children”.
The long-awaited changes come as part of a package of reforms to Jersey’s Children and Civil Status Law, which will come into effect on 24 November 2025.
The new law will give same-sex parents the same legal recognition and responsibilities that heterosexual couples have long had, including both parents being named on their child’s birth certificate and automatic parental responsibility.
People question why Pride is important. This has been only one of the unseen inequalities for LGBTQ+ families.
april fosse-burch
It will also provide legal clarity in cases involving surrogacy and assisted reproduction.
Couples who underwent fertility treatment together in the past will also be able to re-register existing births to include both parents.
Campaigners and LGBTQ+ islanders have welcomed the reforms.
April Fosse-Burch said: “Lauren and I are delighted that we will be able to change our daughter’s birth certificate to better reflect our family.
“Having a parent’s name on a birth certificate is something that most families take for granted, but, like us, there are many different types of families that will be affected positively by the new law coming into force.
“We know its been years in the making, and we are grateful for all of the work that’s been put into making this happen.
“People question why Pride is important. This has been only one of the unseen inequalities for LGBTQ+ families. We now have the privilege of saying our family is recognised in this way.”
The issue was first raised by Advocate Barbara Corbett, picked up by campaigner Kaye Nicholson, and progressed through the States Assembly primary by Deputy Louise Doublet.
In a joint statement, Deputy Doublet and Ms Nicholson said: “This is a huge milestone for LGBTQ+ islanders and their children.
“We are delighted to have reached the culmination of years of campaigning and hard work.
“We are hugely grateful to the policy officers and law drafters who have helped to make this happen for our community, and to the States Assembly who supported it unanimously.
“The law makes several changes and at the heart of these is the new right for children with same-sex parents to have both of their parents’ names registered on their birth certificate.
“This means they have the same human rights as other children in this respect.”