SAME-sex marriages and other same-sex relationships will be automatically recognised in the ACT as a Civil Union under new laws introduced by Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay today (December 15). 

Canberra legislated for marriage equality in 2013, before an intervention from the Federal Government prevented same-sex couples from having their relationship recognised through marriage.

The ACT Government continues to support the recognition of same sex relationships and we will continue to advocate for the Federal Government to act on marriage equality.

Mr Ramsay says the “Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill (No 3)” would amend the “Civil Unions Act 2012” to ensure same-sex relationships recognised in other states, territories and countries have the same status as civil unions entered into in the ACT.

“We are and will clearly remain committed to enhancing equality for all Canberrans, and recognising the strength of love,” says Ramsay.

“This change will mean same-sex couples who were married or entered a civil union outside the ACT will automatically have their relationship recognised under ACT law.

“This way the broadest number of ACT residents who enter into one of the growing number of same-sex civil union and civil partnership schemes available around the world have their relationships recognised in the ACT.”

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