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ACT introduces civil partnerships |
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The ACT has passed the Civil Partnership Act 2008 which provides same-sex couples with the ability to have their relationships recognised.
This legislation includes the ability for gay and lesbian couples to have a public ceremony by the register general as part of their union. Previous attempts to pass legislation which included a public ceremony were overturned by the then Howard Federal Government and similarly the Rudd Government has interfered with the legislation.
For more information contact the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety, Office of Regulatory Services www.rgo.act.gov.au/bdm/bdm_civil.html |
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California Legalises Same Sex Weddings |
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Last month the Californian Supreme Court legalised same-sex weddings, the first of which were held on the 16th June in a number of ceremonies both large and small. Some couples had waited many decades to get 'hitched' and had experienced years of discrimination as their relationships went unrecognised.
First to get married in San Francisco were lesbian couple Del Martin (87) and Phyllis Lyon (83) who had been together for 55 years before their wedding last week.
Del Mart and Phyllis Lyon 'tie the knot' - image courtesy of www.abcnews.com
There is a group of conservatives who are planning on challenging the law in a referendum later in the year, but until then hundreds of gay and lesbian couples will get married across the state.
It seems that Australian same-sex couples can get married in California, and legal marriages entered into in other jurisdictions such as Canada or Massachusetts will be recognised in the state.
Congratulations California! |
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