Advocates say the Victorian Government’s decision to recognise overseas same-sex marriages as registered relationships will provide legal security to same-sex couples but not the dignity that comes with full equality.
The Victorian Government has announced it will follow Tasmania and NSW in recognising overseas same-sex marriages as registered relationships in state law.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Recognising overseas same-sex marriages as state registered relationships provides couples with a degree of legal security, but it does not provide the full recognition and dignity that can only come with equality under the federal Marriage Act.”
“The fact that overseas same-sex marriages will be recognised in three states but not in the others highlights the patchwork of relationship laws same-sex couples have to negotiate, as well as the need for marriage equality to redress this problem.”
“With Victoria coming on board, a majority of Australians live in states that recognise same-sex marriages and it’s time for the federal government to do the same.”
For couples to have their overseas marriage recognised, one partner will have to be a Victorian resident.
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For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 October 2015