December 9, 2011 | Sex & Society

Gay Australians can get married ... elsewhere

Although the battle for equal marriage rights in Australia is far from over, a small concession has been made for gay couples in the country.

The Australian government has finally lifted a ban that hindered the ability of gay couples to marry overseas. A Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage, often required in a foreign territory, will now be issued by the government. 

In 2009, a Senate inquiry had recommended the ban be overturned, but Prime Minister Gillard said at the time: “Given that under Australian law through the Marriage Act a marriage is between a man and a woman it would not be proper to issue a certificate of no impediment because in truth we do not have the mechanism under current law to recognise a same-sex marriage overseas. With the Certificates of No Impediment to wed, it would only be proper to issue those if Australian law changed.”

However, the ruling Labour Party has officially changed its policy to include gay marriage rights, even though Gillard, herself, disagrees with her party's new position. 

A marriage in another country will still not mean legal recognition in Australian law, but it could still make a difference (for issues of spousal benefits, for example).

"Many gay and lesbians Australians travel overseas to marry because they can’t marry here, but when they discover the Australian Government won’t give them the required paperwork, wedding plans have to be cancelled and the partners concerned continue to experience the legal and social disadvantages of not being able to marry," said Australian Marriage Equality Campaign Director, Rodney Croome.

Soon, the only bad thing about Australia will be the poisonous snakes and the rare man-eating koala.

Federal Gov't Finally Approves Overseas Marriage Certificates [Gay news Network]