Marriage equality advocates have issued a plea to a Senate inquiry to respect the marriages of Australian couples married overseas.
At a hearing into a Greens’ bill that would recognise overseas same-sex marriages, Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Every politician who says they respect the institution of marriage should show respect for the legal overseas marriages of Australian same-sex couples by voting to recognise these marriages.”
“It is an affront to those couples who have married overseas, to the countries under whose laws they married and to the institution of marriage, to treat overseas same- sex marriages like they never happened.”
Under the Australian Marriage Act there is an explicit prohibition on the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages, put in place ten years ago under the Howard Government.
Since then as many as 1400 Australian same-sex couples have married overseas, including almost 300 in New Zealand.
The moment these couples walk back through Australian customs they cease to be married and their solemn vows of lifelong commitment count for nothing.
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee is conducting an inquiry into a bill introduced by Greens’ Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, which would recognise overseas same-sex marriages.
Last month Australian same-sex couples began marrying in UK consulates in Australia. But like all same-sex couples married under foreign laws they are legally strangers the moment they step outside the consulate.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Media Release
Date: 21 August 2014