NSW relationship register must follow lead of other states by including ceremonies and non-conjugal partners

This media statement was issued by the TGLRG on 23.2.10.

Tasmanian gay rights advocates have welcomed a decision by the NSW Government to introduce a relationship register but have warned it must include official ceremonies and non-conjugal relationships if it is to be consistent with existing civil partnership schemes in Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that official ceremonies provide couples with the public affirmation they otherwise lack.

"Civil partnership ceremonies are not a substitute for same-sex marriage, but until same-sex marriage is achieved, a civil partnership ceremony may the only way for same-sex couples to officially affirm and celebrate their love and commitment in front of friends and family", Mr Croome said.

The Tasmanian Government announced in November that it has amended the regulations governing its relationship registry to allow couples the option of an official ceremony.

Following negotiations with the Federal Government, the ACT Government also allows an official ceremony.

Mr Croome also urged the NSW Government to extend its scheme to include non-conjugal companionate and familial relationships as is already the case in Tasmania and Victoria.

"Non-sexual relationships deserve the same respect and legal protection we extend to same and opposite-sex relationships."

Mr Croome said registries offer a range of benefits including immediate and guaranteed access to relationship rights without the need for partners to prove they are in a long-term domestic or de facto partnership.

However, he labelled the NSW Government's distinction between relationship registers and civil unions "absurd".

"Australia's existing partnership schemes offer full legal rights in state and federal law, and greater ceremonial recognition than equivalent schemes in many other countries."

"In places like Britain and New Zealand they are considered the equivalent of a civil union scheme."

"The terms 'relationship registry', 'civil partnership scheme' and 'civil union scheme' are interchangeable and all mean essentially the same thing - formal relationship recognition that is not marriage."

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.