Australians who have entered same-sex marriages in countries like New Zealand and Britain will be recognised as married by the United Nations but not by their own government.
The U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, today announced that legal same-sex marriages will be recognised by the U.N. even if they are not recognised by the country where the couple lives.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The UN’s sensible decision to treat all marriages equally increases pressure on the Abbott Government to allow a free vote so the same can happen under Australian law.”
“It is an embarrassment that the U.N. recognises the legal marriages of Australian same-sex couples while these couples’ own government fails to do the same.”
“It is particularly absurd that married same-sex partners employed by the U.N. in Australia will be treated as married at work but unmarried in the rest of their lives.”
The U.N’s decision comes just days after the first same-sex marriage in a British consulate in the world was conducted in Sydney.
The Australian Marriage Act specifically prohibits the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages.
A senate inquiry into the issue is currently underway.
For the announcement, click here.
For more on the inquiry click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 4 July 2014