Daily News Roundup

WEDNESDAY, April 3

An American woman has given birth to her own granddaughter after serving as a surrogate for her son and his husband.

Although she had been through menopause Cecile Eledge, 61, wanted to help her son Matthew and his husband Elliot Dougherty become parents.

The egg was donated by Mr Dougherty’s sister and doctors fertilised it using Mr Eledge’s sperm. The embryo was then implanted in his mother’s womb.

The couple said the birth of their daughter, named Uma born at the Nebraska Medical Centre in Omaha, was due to the “selfless women” in their lives.

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The Senate has formally censured controversial Queensland politician Fraser Anning for expressing extreme anti-immigration views following the Christchurch massacre.

The senator has refused to apologise for linking the Christchurch massacre to Muslim immigration

Politicians from across the political divide joined forces to condemn the independent senator, with the motion passing the Upper House after more than an hour of debate.

The leaders of the major parties in the Senate — Liberal Mathias Corman and Labor’s Penny Wong — led the debate.

“It is very important that the Parliament is unified in its condemnation of these appalling comments that have been made,” Senator Cormann said.

“These comments were appalling and sadly made worse given Senator Anning’s position in this Parliament and the platform he enjoys as a senator.

“Senator Anning’s comments were ugly and divisive. They were dangerous and unacceptable from anyone, let alone a member of this place.”

Senator Wong argued there was a difference between free speech and hate speech, and accused Senator Anning of embracing the latter.

“[When] families, friends, communities of those lost were still reeling from the shock, the senator blamed the victims,” she said.

“While those injured were being treated, this senator sought to further fan the flames of division. How pathetic. How shameful.

“Shameful and pathetic attempt by a bloke who has never been elected to get attention by exploiting diversity as a fault line for political advantage.”

Senator Anning has been widely condemned globally for linking the mosque attacks that killed 50 people to Muslim immigration but has repeatedly refused to apologise for his comments.

He made light of the planned censure when the Coalition and Labor announced they were joining forces to condemn him.

The houses of Parliament are unable to expel a politician for their behaviour, but an MP or senator can be expelled if they are convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for a year or longer.

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Two young brothers, pulled unconscious from a backyard pool in Brisbane’s north last week, have died in hospital.

The toddlers were found at a home in Morayfield last Monday.

They were in a critical condition in the Queensland Children’s Hospital paediatric intensive care unit, but passed away today.

In a statement, the boys’ parents said they were thankful for the support of hospital staff during the ordeal.

“It is with great sadness that we advise that our boys are no longer with us,” the statement said.

“Our family is incredibly grateful for the support and care provided by staff of the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

“We ask the media to please respect our family’s privacy at this sad time.”