Civil Unions no substitute for marriage equality.
Advocates to continue lobbying for state marriage laws.
Marriage equality advocates say the Queensland Government’s decision to re-instate official civil partnership ceremonies shows there is community support for treating same-sex relationships with respect, but they have cautioned that civil partnerships are not a substitute for marriage equality and have declared they will continue to lobby for state same-sex marriage laws.
The Queensland Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath, announced today that the state’s new Labor Government will re-instate civil partnership ceremonies after they were scrapped by the former LNP Government.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The Queensland Government’s decision shows there is an appetite in the community for treating same-sex relationships with dignity and respect.”
“But civil partnerships can never be a substitute for full marriage equality because they are not as widely recognised, understood or respected as marriage.”
“This is why countries like New Zealand and Britain have moved on from civil partnerships to marriage equality.”
Mr Croome said his strong preference is for state governments to enact laws allowing same-sex marriages.
“In 2013 the High Court overruled an ACT marriage equality law because it conflicted with the federal government’s Marriage Act, but it remains possible for states to enact same-sex marriage laws which do not trespass on federal powers”, he said.
“Together with constitutional experts, we will continue to lobby for state same-sex marriage laws in the absence of action at a federal level.”
Some form of civil partnership or registered relationship exists in four other states and territories: the ACT, Tasmania, NSW and Victoria.
Couples in the ACT and Tasmania can opt for an official ceremony. Official ceremonies are not available in Victoria and NSW.
For news reports click here and here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 25 February 2015