Tassie gays welcome Vic registry

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 13.3.08.

Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed endorsement of a Tasmanian-style civil union registry by Victoria's parliamentary Lower House but are concerned by continued myths about such registries.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said Tasmanians should be proud that their state - the last to decriminalise same-sex relationships - is now leading the nation when it comes officially recognising same-sex unions.

"If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Tasmanians should feel very flattered indeed", Mr Croome said.

Mr Croome said debate on Victoria's registry had shown an alarming level of ignorance from both opponents and supporters of the new scheme.

"Registries are not a threat to marriage but a complement to it - as shown by the fact that marriage is still alive and well in Tasmania."

"At the same time, the Tasmanian and Victorian registries do not simply register pre-existing de facto relationships and do not preclude official ceremonies."

"Both schemes are open to a wide range of couples who are free to have solemn ceremonies marking the signing of their Deeds of Relationship."

"In Tasmania, officials who combine the role of marriage celebrant and state JP currently conduct ceremonies that have the same symbolic weight and lead to the same legal rights as civil unions elsewhere."

"The Tasmanian model is legally recognised overseas as a civil union scheme, as the Victorian scheme will be when it is finally established, and it is incorrect and demeaning for them not to be known this way in Australia."

The Victorian civil union registry is expected to pass the state Upper House and be operational within months.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.