More than a third of same-sex couples married in New Zealand in the first six weeks after it became possible were from overseas, with marriage equality advocates saying they are mostly Australians.
Today, Statistics NZ released figures showing 117 same-sex couples married between August 19th and September 30th, including forty from overseas, but no country-by-country breakdown was provided.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Given the large number of Australian couples who have told us they intend to marry in New Zealand I can only assume most of the overseas partners who married there in August and September were from Australia.”
“If this is the case, it means about a third of the overall number of same-sex marriages in New Zealand were between Australians.”
“This high proportion is a reminder of how strongly many Austalian same-sex couples desire to marry and how Australian law is driving them overseas, away from family, friends and loved ones, to do it.”
“It is also a reminder that when they return home their solemn legal vows of lifelong commitment count for nothing under Australian law.”
Mr Croome said several factors may have mitigated against even more Australians marrying in New Zealand immediately after it became possible.
“It takes time to organise a wedding overseas, and some couples will be waiting to see if they can marry in the ACT.”
For a report on the Statistics NZ figures click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 5 November 2013