Marriage equality advocates have called on the South Australian Government to recognise overseas same-sex marriages following reports a bereaved British partner was not recognised as next of kin.
David Bulmer-Rizzi recently died while on holiday with his husband Marco in Adelaide but Marco was not recognised as next of kin and David’s death certificate said “never married” because, unlike the eastern states, South Australia does not legally recognise overseas same-sex marriages.
Australian Marriage Equality South Australian convener, Harley Schumann, said,
“Most South Australians would find it appalling that our law has failed to recognise the love and commitment in David and Marco’s relationship.”
“It’s time for us to join Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Queensland in recognising overseas same-sex marriages.”
“A high priority for us is lobbying the South Australian Government so this can’t happen again.”
David Bulmer-Rizzi’s father Nigel Bulmer, told Buzzfeed UK,
“It’s degrading. It demeans my son’s memory and denies their relationship. It’s cast them as second-class citizens. No one should ever have to go through what we’ve gone through. We’re at the bottom and somebody has dug a deeper pit.”
To read the Buzzfeed report, click here
For more information contact Harley Schumann on 0414 839 753.
Author: Harley Schumann
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 20 January 2016