Advocates say the the Abbott Government should allow a free vote on marriage equality in response to the UK government’s decision to press Australia on recognising UK same-sex marriages.
The UK Government has written to 70 governments including Australia’s asking if they recognise UK same-sex marriages and civil partnerships, and pressing them to recognise these legal UK unions if they currently do not.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“I welcome the UK Government’s decision to press the Australian Government on this issue.”
“It is deeply embarrassing that Australia does not honour marriages legally solemnised under the law of a kindred nation, some of which have been performed on Australian soil.”
“The UK government’s initiative provides the Abbott Government with an excellent opportunity to remove the last major hurdle to marriage equality by allowing a cross-party conscience vote on the issue.”
Australian law does not recognise any overseas same-sex marriages or civil unions, including those from the UK. UK same-sex marriages and civil unions are recognised as local civil partnerships in Tasmania, Queensland and NSW.
For a news report on the UK Government’s initiative, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 March 2015