Council to establish relationships declaration register
Last night Melbourne City Council gave in-principle support for the establishment of a "Relationships Declaration Register" that would enable Melbourne couples of both mixed-sex and same-sex to formally declare their relationship.
"Unlike a traditional wedding ceremony, this register would allow all couples to formally declare their union," the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
"Council is committed to the development of an inclusive and engaging city and this proposal further cements this commitment.
"This is just the first step toward social equality for all relationships - it is now up to the State and federal Governments to introduce legislation that will provide for official recognition of civil partnerships," he said.
While the register will not create any legal rights in the way a traditional marriage does, it may be used by couples to demonstrate that they are living in a de facto relationship. This can be important in certain circumstances.
Countries that have adopted, or are working towards, recognising a range of relationships (other than by marriage) include France, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Mexico, Canada and Britain.
Parts of the United States have also introduced broader recognition of relationships. In Australia, Tasmania has adopted laws recognising a variety of relationships and the City of Sydney has established a relationships declaration register, similar to the one proposed by the City of Melbourne.
Last night Melbourne City Council gave in-principle support for the establishment of a "Relationships Declaration Register" that would enable Melbourne couples of both mixed-sex and same-sex to formally declare their relationship.
"Unlike a traditional wedding ceremony, this register would allow all couples to formally declare their union," the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
"Council is committed to the development of an inclusive and engaging city and this proposal further cements this commitment.
"This is just the first step toward social equality for all relationships - it is now up to the State and federal Governments to introduce legislation that will provide for official recognition of civil partnerships," he said.
While the register will not create any legal rights in the way a traditional marriage does, it may be used by couples to demonstrate that they are living in a de facto relationship. This can be important in certain circumstances.
Countries that have adopted, or are working towards, recognising a range of relationships (other than by marriage) include France, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Mexico, Canada and Britain.
Parts of the United States have also introduced broader recognition of relationships. In Australia, Tasmania has adopted laws recognising a variety of relationships and the City of Sydney has established a relationships declaration register, similar to the one proposed by the City of Melbourne.