Tasmania closer to ceremonial recognition
While gay activists hold their breath over moves in the ACT to include ceremonial aspects in its civil union scheme, Tasmanian couples will soon be able to register their relationship during a ceremony.
The Tasmanian Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages today confirmed a changed in procedure in the State’s Deed of Relationships scheme will allow same-sex couples – along with opposite sex couples – an option to legally sign a relationship certificate during a ceremony.
From November 1, couples entering into a Deed of Relationship will be able to sign the ‘marriage-like’ certificate during a ceremony in the presence of a celebrant.
The registry office will provide new “decorative” certificates specifically for the occasion and back-date the official date to the ceremony day.
Previously couples had to go into the registry office or send in the paper work to be registered.
The change does not enhance the powers of civil celebrants to declare a legal relationship for same-sex couples during a ceremony, and certificates must be lodged with the registry.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said he welcomed the change.
“This provides same-sex and other couples with a way to have that ‘special day,’ on which they officially declare and affirm their relationship in front of friends and family members,” he said.
A registry spokeswoman told Sydney Star Observer demand from couples wanting certificates to mark their relationship on the ceremony day had pushed the change.
You May Also Like
Lots of gay men and lesbians live in Tasmania – in fact EVERYWHERE peter!!!!
YESSSSSSS – Lesbian parentage IVF laws passed the upper house in Tasmania!!!!!!
Source:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/04/lesbian-mothers-in-tasmania-get-legal-recognition/
The highlight for me will be Sydney’s DJ Ruby at Lalaland – Saturday 7th November (Halo Nighctub, Hobart).
Great news!!!! What a big step for Tasmania to have true civil unions considering they only just legalized male homosexuality the last state to do so on the 1 May 1997.
Remember that IVF parentage reforms for lesbain mothers are awaiting Government approval from both houses as well. It will be voted on some time this month (the exact same laws NSW and VIC passed same time just last year).
Victoria’s new “lesbian-friendly” and “single-friendly” IVF laws become effective from 1.1.2010 (yes it includes parentage as well).
Queensland is STILL debating parentage on IVF.
Bad news:
South Australia STILL bans single women and lesbians from access to IVF.
This is great news. I congratulate those that have worked hard for this, often no doubt lonely in hotel rooms wondering if anyone cares. You have done a great job to further gay rights in the world, and that can only be a good thing.
Thank you for all your hard work and sacrifices.
Tassy, once a much maligned state. Now enviable? Congratulations Rodney. Just make sure it’s irrevokable. Don’t go the same path as Prop. 9 in California.
good move but how many gays live in tasmania?
Great. But the problem is this is not set in concrete regarding the option of being able to sign a relationship certificate, and if the Liberals get in they may change it back so we don’t have the option to sign on the day. Enjoy it while it lasts.