AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Friday May 3rd 2013
Official figures show Aussies already travelling to New Zealand for civil unions. Numbers will sky-rocket when marriages begin in August.
Official figures released today show gay Australians are already travelling to New Zealand to enter civil unions, with numbers predicted to sky-rocket when same-sex marriage begin in August.
According to a statement today from Statistics New Zealand, 1 in 5 civil unions registered in 2012 were registered to couples from overseas.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome said,
“It’s fair to assume most of the foreign couples entering civil unions in New Zealand are from Australia, and it’s no surprise given that only in the ACT and Tasmania is it possible for same-sex couples to enter a legal union with an official ceremony.”
“The figure reflects the strong desire among many same-sex couples to stand before their family and friends and enter a legally-recognised, legally-binding union.”
“But we expect the number to increase dramatically once same-sex couples begin in August.”
“Civil unions are regarded as second-rate by many same-sex couples who seek the full equality and full recognition that comes with the right to marry.”
“Australia still has a chance to stem the tide of marriage refugees by enacting marriage equality without delay.”
For the Statistics New Zealand statement, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.