On November 29, 2016, the "All Families Are Equal Act (Parentage and Related Registrations Statute Law Amendment), 2016" passed the Legislative Assembly by 79 votes to 0. The bill changed the terms "mother" and "father" on birth certificates and other legal documents to "parent". The bill also ensures that couples such as those who use a sperm or egg donor or a surrogate are legally recognized as parents, and as such do not have to adopt their own children. It received royal assent on December 5 and took effect on January 1, 2017.