Birth certificate update marks a ‘huge milestone’ for couple

A Jersey couple have welcomed new laws allowing both parents in same-sex families to be named on their child’s birth certificate — a change they describe as “gigantic”.

The reform, which came into force on Monday, also covers families who used fertility treatment or surrogacy. Until now, only one parent in a same-sex couple could be listed, leaving them with fewer legal rights.

April and Lauren Fosse-Burch, whose daughter currently has only one of their names on her certificate, said the moment was “bittersweet” after years of waiting. “Being recognised as a family in law sounds small, but when you haven’t had that luxury, it’s huge,” Lauren said.

The change follows a six-year campaign by Deputy Louise Doublet, who called the legislation a “milestone moment” for Jersey and said it should have happened sooner.

Superintendent registrar Claire Follain said the government would waive fees for re-issuing certificates, stressing the difficulties families had faced. Jersey will also allow retroactive changes — a step not taken in the UK.

Equality charity Liberate Jersey said the reform finally ends years of hardship for affected parents. The government said the updated law reflects and supports modern family structures.