Milestone date set for first civil partnerships in Queensland

Queensland's first civil partnerships will take place in March this year. Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser today announced that the Governor had approved for the Civil Partnership Act to commence on February 23. Mr Fraser said that allowing for the 10 day waiting period in the legislation, the first ceremonies could take place on March 5. "This is a landmark and historic occasion," Mr Fraser said. "I am proud to have introduced this legislation into the Parliament, and I am proud that with the support of my colleagues and Peter Wellington it was passed by the Parliament.

"I know that for many people this day has been a long time coming. While it isn't marriage, it is the next best thing and as far as a state government can go in promoting relationship equality. "Queensland is a modern, progressive state and the enactment of the Civil Partnerships legislation underlines that."

Attorney General Paul Lucas said the legislation allowed any couple, regardless of their sex or sexual orientation, to lodge the paperwork with Queensland's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) from February 23. "February 23, and then March 5, will be an important day for thousands of Queenslanders," Mr Lucas said.

"This legislation removes the artificial and arbitrary barriers to same-sex couples having their relationship formally and legally recognised. "The forms are now available to download from the Department of Justice and Attorney General website from today.

"From March 5, ceremonies will be able to be held at the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry and various magistrates' courts across Queensland. "I expect many couples to use the progressive laws to see their relationship recognised either through registration or a formal ceremony and I congratulate them in advance."

The Births, Deaths and Marriages registry is currently developing procedures to allow the appointment of civil partnership notaries from April. Mr Fraser said that although Campbell Newman has proven time and again that he struggles to stand by his own words, he expects the LNP to end their opposition to the legislation.

"Under Labor, you get progressive social policies that cater for our modern society. "Campbell Newman and the LNP didn't have the courage to put forward their own personal views when debating this legislation.

"They put politics ahead of people and opposed it outright - without standing up and saying if they were for civil unions or against them, without arguing the merits. "Campbell Newman promised that if any ceremonies had taken place prior to the election, then any future LNP Government would not repeal the legislation. His Justice spokesman has contradicted him, again saying an LNP Government would tear up the laws.

"We've already seen that Mr Newman couldn't tell the truth when it came to his personal financial dealings he couldn't tell the truth on his jobs promise and he couldn't tell the truth about his secret discussions with Clive Palmer.

"There are thousands of Queenslanders to whom these laws mean so much. The whole state will hold Mr Newman to account and see if he stands by his word." For more information on the Civil Partnerships Act, visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/bdm.


Joint Statement:
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State
The Honourable Paul Lucas
04/02/2012

Permanent Link: Milestone date set for first civil partnerships in Queensland
Publish Date: 06 Feb 12

All articles submitted by third parties or written by My Sunshine Coast come under our Disclaimer / Terms of Service