Same-sex relationships given legal status in ACT
Legislation allowing for the civil union of same-sex couples was today tabled in the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly. Under the legislation, civil unions will have the same recognition as marriage under ACT law. Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope claimed that this demonstrated the government’s commitment to relationship equality. At the same time however, Mr Stanhope was careful to point out that civil unions did not replace the institution of marriage, which is still barred to same-sex couples under Federal legislation. Nonetheless, gay and lesbian advocacy groups have responded positively to the legislation. David Scamell, Coordinator of NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby spoke with Tristan Burt about the advantages of civil union for same-sex couples.