Marriage equality advocates say the Civil Partnership Bill tabled in the South Australian Parliament today by Bill Such MP should not distract from the state’s marriage equality bid or be seen as a substitute for full equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“South Australia has a unique opportunity to lead the nation by enacting laws allowing same-sex marriage, and the Civil Partnerships Bill should not be a distraction from that opportunity.”
“The international experience clearly shows that civil partnerships are not a substitute for full marriage equality because they are not as widely recognised or respected.”
Today, SA MP, Bob Such, introduced a Civil Partnership Bill allowing same and opposite-sex couples to enter into formalised relationships.
Similar schemes, with varying names and provisions, already operate in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
Last month a state Same-Sex Marriage Bill was narrowly defeated in the Tasmanian Upper House after passing the Lower House.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the South Australian Upper House where it is believed to have significant support.
Other states where same-sex marriage legislation is currently before parliament include NSW, Victoria and WA.
For a report of the S.A. Civil Partnerships Bill click here.
For our 13-page information booklet on civil unions, click here (PDF).
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.