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 The announcement was made following talks last Friday between the ACT’s Attorney-General, Simon Corbell (pictured); who introduced the legislation known as the Civil Partnerships Act; and the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland.
“The reason for the delay is that the commonwealth minister has concerns around some of the legal construction of the legislation that … provides for a ceremony,” Mr Corbell told MCV.
“I have agreed that officials will have detailed discussions about the concerns and try to find a way [forward] that is mutually acceptable for both parties. We want to preserve our legislation as much as possible.”
Concerns about the ceremonial element of civil unions and their similarity to marriage have previously seen the ACT’s bill quashed twice by the former Howard government. However, the ACT Attorney-General says he is more confident of the legislation being passed by the Rudd government.
“We [the ACT and federal governments] can work together now in a way that was not possible before. We are a step closer, but some work needs to be done and we are committed to introducing civil partnerships,” Mr Corbell declared.
A spokesperson for the Federal Attorney-General said that talks with the ACT are continuing, but declined to comment further.
Earlier this month Mr Corbell revealed that the ACT was intending to introduce same-sex civil union laws by February, a move welcomed by GLBTI activists. The delay has disappointed such advocates, who cite unfounded fears as driving the delay.
“I think the ministers are trying to placate a certain section of the community,” Civil Union Action! spokesperson, John Kloprogge, told MCV.
“They are responding to perceived backlash by the Australian Christian Lobby, and I think the federal government’s fears are misplaced; they are exaggerating the influence of such groups.”
Advocates for same-sex unions are hoping that the introduction of legislation in the nation’s capital will encourage other states to follow.
“The ACT’s proposed legislation is a really strong scheme,” said Mr Kloprogge, “and if they don’t include a residency requirement [a provision that would only allow ACT residents to enter into civil unions] couples from any state would be allowed to go to the ACT to have a civil union. When they return to their own states and territories that would create pressure to introduce civil unions there.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he would not block the ACT’s civil unions laws, claiming such legislation was a matter for the states and territories to decide.
Meanwhile Tasmania’s Attorney-General, Steven Kons has announced 100 couples are listed on the state’s Relationships Register, which was introduced in 2004.
“Tasmania now has 100 relationships registered, with 99 of these registered as significant, and one registered as a caring relationship,” Mr Kons was reported as saying on ABC Online.
He noted that 77 same-sex couples had registered a relationship, with 23 opposite-sex couples also registering.
“The State Government knew when it introduced the relationships register that Tasmania was leading the country in recognising significant and caring relationships.” Mr Kons concluded.
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