Inquiry comes as couples prepare to marry in UK Consualtes.

Marriage equality advocates believe an inquiry into a Bill to recognise overseas same-sex marriages will show the reform has had a positive impact in other countries and allay fears about the consequences of allowing same-sex marriages.

Today Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, introduced a Bill to remove the ban on the recognition of legal overseas same-sex marriages. With Labor’s support the Bill has been sent to an inquiry by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee that will look at both the impact of not recognising overseas same-sex marriages and the legal, social and economic impact of marriage equality in those countries that allow it.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“We will be encouraging couples legally married overseas to tell their personal stories about the hurt and harm caused by Australia’s failure to recognise their solemn vows of lifelong commitment.”

“We will also be encouraging researchers and decision-makers from countries with marriage equality to detail the positive impacts the reform has had, and to confirm that none of the dire prediction of marriage equality opponents have come to pass.”

The Bill and associated inquiry come as some Australian couples prepare to marry in Australia’s UK consulates.

The UK Government has announced that couples will be able to lodge notices of intention to marry at UK consultates in Australia from June 4th. Marriage can take place 14 days from the lodgement of notices.

“Many Australians will be outraged when they see couples marrying in Australia’s UK consulates only to be ‘unwed’ the moment they step outside the consulate and back on to Australian soil”, Mr Croome said.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Author: Rodney Croome
Publication AME Media Release
Date: 15 May 2014