Marriage equality advocates have backed a Greens’ bill that will allow overseas same-sex marriages to be recognised in Australia.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“When Australian same-sex couples marry overseas their solemn vows of lifelong commitment count for nothing as soon as they walk back through Australian customs.”
“Australia’s failure to recognise same-sex marriages performed overseas not only shows disrespect to the legal vows of same-sex partners, but also to the laws of some of our closest allies including New Zealand, Canada, the US and soon the UK.”
“This Bill gives the parliament one final chance before the election to represent the views of a majority of Australians and show the world that Australia has a heart.”
Greens’ Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, today announced the Greens will move to debate and vote on the Bill before the election and called for support from both major parties.
In 2004 the Howard Government amended the Marriage Act to prevent the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages in Australia.
According to the last Census, at least 1300 Australian same-sex couples are married overseas, a number set to dramatically increase when same-sex marriages begin in New Zealand and the UK.
Countries which recognise overseas same-sex marriages without performing them include Japan, Israel and Slovenia.
For more information contact Rodney Crome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Australian Marrage Equality
Publication Date: June 6 2013