Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to allow same-sex marriages in Australia’s UK consulates, saying it shows Australia is moving forward on the issue.
The Australian Attorney-General, George Brandis, has confirmed it will not exercise its power to veto same-sex marriages in UK consulates when they become available in June (see below), opening the way for hundreds of Australian same-sex couples to marry where one partner is a British national.
In 2010 then Labor Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, prevented same-sex marriages being conducted in Australia’s Portuguese consulates after that country achieved marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said,
“We congratulate the federal government for respecting the right of British Australians to marry in British consulates here.”
“This shows that the federal government understands the world is changing and that Australia is moving forward on the issue.”
“Now that the federal government has said ‘yes’ to same-sex marriages in UK consulates I look forward to it allowing a free vote so Australian same-sex couples can marry in Australia under Australian law.”
Same-sex couples will begin marrying in England and Wales at midnight UK time (11am eastern Australian time).
Yesterday, Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, announced a bill to lift on the ban on legally recognising overseas same-sex marriages in Australian law, as well as an inquiry into the impact of marriage equality in other countries.
Same-sex couples who intend to marry under UK law, either in Britain or in UK consulates in Australia, are available for interviews. Please contact Mr Croome on 0409 010 668.
A copy of relevant government correspondence is included below. For a news report, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Correspondence from the office of Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis
“The Australian Government has informed the British High Commission that it has no objections to officers from the British High Commission solemnising consular same-sex marriages on consular grounds pursuant to British laws, if at least one person of the marrying couple is a British national.
“We have advised the British High Commission that such unions will not be recognised as marriages in Australia pursuant to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). The matter of converting British civil partnerships to same-sex marriages under British law is a matter for British authorities.”
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Media Release
Date: 29/3/2014