Championing the cause of multi-parent family recognition in Quebec

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright is honoured to represent the LGBT+ Family Coalition and two families in their quest for legal recognition of multi-parent families in Quebec on a pro bono basis and in collaboration with McCarthy Tétrault. Michel Bélanger‑Roy and Jérémy Boulanger‑Bonnelly, both based in our Montréal office, are representing our clients in this important case.

Multi-parent families consist of more than two parents who decide to have and raise children together, sometimes in the context of assisted reproduction.

The application, filed on February 15 in the Superior Court of Quebec against the Attorney General of Quebec, aims to secure legal recognition of multi-parent families either by the interpretation of the Civil Code of Quebec, or, alternatively, by invalidating certain provisions within it. Currently, the Quebec government refuses to allow more than two parents to legally establish their parenthood, leading to multiple consequences in terms of parental authority, rights or responsibilities towards their children. Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan already recognize multi-parent families under certain conditions, unlike Quebec.

"It is an honour for Norton Rose Fulbright to provide pro bono services in support of the LGBT+ Family Coalition and the two families as they strive for multi-parent family recognition in Quebec. This case addresses a significant issue in today's society and aligns with our firm's core values of quality, unity, and integrity. We take pride in contributing to the evolution of Quebec society by supporting an organization that has played an essential role in defending the rights of LGBT+ families for the past 25 years," said Michel Bélanger‑Roy and Jérémy Boulanger‑Bonnelly.

For more information, please refer to the Coalition's press release (available in French only).