Marriage equality advocates have welcomed changes to the NSW Relationships Register to recognise same-sex couples married overseas.

The change advocated by the independent member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, and supported by the NSW Government, provides for legal recognition of marriages conducted overseas that are currently denied recognition under the Federal Marriage Act.

Acting director of Australian Marriage Equality, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said,

“Every year Australians are travelling to a growing number of countries that recognise the value of building an inclusive society, countries that have already achieved marriage equality.”

“In the absence of federal reform, NSW now provides legal recognition for these overseas marriages and, in doing so, has highlighted the importance of this reform for all Australians.”

“We call on the Federal Government to recognise the commitments that are made by Australians overseas. As we legally recognise foreign commercial contracts it should go without saying that we should also recognise these enduring, lifelong commitments.”

For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826

Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 13 Novmber 2014