Australian Government Committed to Allowing Adult Relationship Registration

Australia’s Attorney-General Robert McClelland has welcomed the commitment by the ACT Government to introduce legislation providing for registration of relationships, becoming the third jurisdiction to do so following Tasmania and Victoria.

Mr McClelland said, “The Federal Government has been calling for nationally consistent State and Territory legislation for the registration of committed, adult relationships.”

“This week I announced the Rudd Government will introduce legislation in the Winter Sittings to remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws. These reforms will make a practical difference to people’s lives. Nationally consistent State and Territory laws providing for registration of relationships will help people access these entitlements.”

“The Government notes that the ACT has confirmed the legislation will not provide for ceremonies. Consistent with Federal Labor’s national platform, the Government made clear to the ACT that it would not accept legislation that mimics marriage.”

“We also note that the landmark HREOC report Same-Sex: Same Entitlements found that while there was absolute consensus in the gay and lesbian community that same-sex couples should be recognized equally, there was not consensus that marriage was the most appropriate way to achieve this.”

The Federal Government looks forward to reviewing the detail of the ACT legislation when it becomes available, before responding further.

Source: Office of the Attorney-General

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