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.

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AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY

23 February 2010
NSW RELATIONSHIP REGISTER WELCOMED
Proposal No Subsitute for Marriage Equality
Registers and Civil Unions "Synonymous"

Australia's marriage equality advocates have welcomed a NSW Government proposal to establish a relationship register modelled on existing civil partnership schemes in Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.
Australian Marriage Equality national secretary, Peter Furness, said the NSW scheme will benefit couples who do not wish to marry but is no substitute for same-sex marriage.
"State civil partnership schemes benefit unmarried partners by providing them with official recognition and a way to prove their relationship status if required", Mr Furness said.
"They are ideal for couples seeking legal recognition who have no desire to marry."
"But they are not a substitute for same-sex marriage because they do not provide full legal equality for same-sex couples, or the social and cultural recognition that is associated with marriage."

"We believe loving, committed opposite and same-sex couples should have a choice about how their relationships are recognised and entitled."

"This means partnership registries for those who do not wish to marry and equality in marriage for those who do."

Mr Furness went on to say that the distinction drawn by the NSW Government between relationship registers and civil union schemes has no legal basis and is false.

"Our existing state and territory schemes provide legal rights and ceremonial recognition that is the same or greater than civil union schemes overseas."

"This is why in other countries Australia's schemes are regarded as fully-fledged civil union schemes."
"Relationship registers, civil partnership schemes and civil union schemes are different terms for the same thing."

For further information contact Peter Furness on 0425 848 723.