Petition · Ministry of Justice
Require mothers to list the father (if known) on birth certificate if safe to do
Closed
53 signatures
What the petition asks
Require mothers to name the father on the birth certificate, if known and safe to do so, ensuring equal parental rights and responsibilities. Fathers with no criminal convictions or history of domestic violence should be granted equal parental rights from birth including 50/50 contact
Many fathers face unfair barriers to seeing their child, despite having done nothing wrong. The current system forces them into costly legal battles and leaves children without equal access to both parents. Equal rights from birth - when it is a requirement to list the father on a birth certificate if known and safe - can support children’s wellbeing, reduce conflict, and ensures parents are treated fairly and consistently.
Timeline
| 18 Dec 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Jun 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
53
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
18 Dec 2025
Closed
18 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.