Advertisement

Push for register of same-sex couples in SA

Same-sex couples living in and visiting South Australia should have their relationships recognised under law, the state’s Law Reform Institute says.

Jun 02, 2016, updated Jun 02, 2016
David and Marco Bulmer-Rizzi. Photo: Facebook

David and Marco Bulmer-Rizzi. Photo: Facebook

It should also be extended to tourists whose relationships are recognised interstate or overseas, director John Williams says.

The Relationships Register is one of 18 proposals put forward by the institute to reduce LGBTI discrimination without changing marriage laws.

It would give same-sex couples equal rights when it came to accessing reproductive treatment, surrogacy, employment and superannuation entitlements, as well as next-of-kin status after the death of a partner.

The latter issue came to the fore after British man Marco Bulmer-Rizzi’s marriage was not legally recognised when his husband David died in Adelaide in January.

The incident led to Premier Jay Weatherill offering an apology to Marco Bulmer-Rizzi.

“Despite positive incremental changes, South Australia still lags behind other state and territories when it comes to giving equal rights to gay and lesbian couples, including recognising both partners as legal parents of children,” Williams said.

“While it may not mirror the symbolism or social status of marriage, a Relationships Register offers a clear solution to otherwise complex and challenging laws governing relationships and parenting in South Australia.”

Williams said the potential benefits of a Relationship Register would extend to both heterosexual and non-heterosexual couples.

“Under the model, all unmarried couples within South Australia could apply to have their relationships legally recognised. A range of safeguards would apply, similar to those applying to couples seeking to be legally married.”

 

A Relationships Register is used in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, and is similar to the civil unions model in the Australian Capital Territory.

– with AAP

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.