WA Nationals consider civil unions

The Western Australian Nationals are drafting legislation that would recognise same-sex relationships as civil partnerships under state law.

A spokesman for Nationals leader Brendon Grylls confirmed that a bill was in the drafting stage, but could not confirm any details.

However, GALEWA co-convenor Kitty Hawkins told the Star Observer she believed the bill was being modelled on the ACT’s civil partnership laws, but expected it to cover both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. The ACT legislation only applies to same-sex couples.

“So far there hasn’t been a promise from the Nationals,” Hawkins said. “This is something they are considering and what we know is that there isn’t a consensus on it within the party yet.

“But that they now appear to be taking active steps towards it is obviously very welcome. This is greatly needed in Western Australia, because while we have equal de facto recognition for same-sex couples, it is quite difficult to prove that relationship whereas with a married couple you have a marriage certificate.

“This will means that de facto couples, whether gay or straight, will have the ability to prove their relationship which will make things like hospital visitation and family issues much easier.”

WA Greens sexuality spokeswoman Lynn MacLaren said she looked forward to parliamentary debate on the bill.

“It’s a debate we can win,” MacLaren said. “For those in the community who still think civil unions are as far as we should go, then this bill will have real appeal.

“However, full marriage equality remains the Greens’ focus, and we hope to deliver that nationally after the new Greens senators take their seats in July.”

McLaren said she believed the bill as drafted defined civil partnership as a legally recognised relationship between two adults, regardless of sex, that would be obtained through an application to the Registrar of the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

She believed an option under consideration was the use of civil partnership notaries to act as celebrants for civil partnership ceremonies.

The Star Observer contacted WA Premier Colin Barnett’s office and was told a decision by the Liberals on whether to allow a conscience vote on the bill would not be made until it was available to be read.

However, the WA Nationals voted to adopt a policy in support of civil partnerships at their 2007 state conference. They are supported by WA Labor, so there may be enough votes in Parliament between the three parties to pass legislation without the support of any Liberals.