THE most significant conscience vote in State Parliament in decades - whether to allow gay couples to adopt - is dividing major parties and led to claims it would increase the number of abortions.
While committed Catholic Premier Kristina Keneally will support the Bill to allow same-sex adoption, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and most senior Liberals yesterday refused to reveal their stance. Mr O'Farrell's spokesman said that was because he did not want his view influencing his MPs. Opposition treasury spokesman Mike Baird said: "I can't put my hand on my heart and say it's a good thing to deny future kids the chance for a mum and dad."
Senior ministers, including Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, will support the Bill.
At a rally against the Bill yesterday, Liberal Party powerbroker David Clarke and Christian Democrat Fred Nile warned abortions would increase if gay couples were allowed to adopt.
