Passage of Vic partner registry welcomed / Call on Federal Government to recognise state relationships

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 10.4.08.

Tasmanian gay activists have welcomed the Victorian Parliament's enactment of a civil union registry modelled on Tasmania's.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that the Tasmanian registry has allowed same-sex and other couples the practical benefit of proving their relationship status if challenged, and the symbolic benefit of official recognition.

"The Tasmanian civil union registry is not a substitute for same-sex marriage, but an alternative that is based on the principles of recognising diversity in relationships, and allowing partners to decide for themselves how they access relationship entitlements and with whom", Mr Croome said.

"It is the best model for a progressive, 21st century, relationship-recognition scheme."

Mr Croome said it is now up to other states and the Federal Government to act.

"In the wake of Victoria's adoption of a registry, we strongly encourage other state governments to also allow same-sex and other couples to formalise their unions", Mr Croome said.

"We also call on the Federal Government to give full and equal spousal entitlements to couples in state-recognised relationships."

Mr Croome expressed disappointment that Green amendments aimed at improving the Victorian registry were not supported, but said he is encouraged the Victorian Government will consider extending the registry to include the diversity of couples covered in Tasmania, as well as provisions for the reciprocal recognition of other civil union schemes.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.