This is a good way to solve the gay marriage issue in a way that grants equal rights to gays without upsetting those who like to think they own the term 'marriage.'

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Samesex-register-by-years-end-Bracks/2007/04/24/1177180620708.html

Human rights and same-sex lobby groups have hailed the Victorian government's decision to introduce a register for gay couples before years' end.

Premier Steve Bracks announced that his government would move to introduce similar laws to those in Tasmania, setting up a register for same-sex and de facto couples plus people in long-term care giving relationships.

"It is a register system where you apply through births, deaths and marriages with a statutory declaration for a register for your relationship," Mr Bracks told Southern Cross radio.

"It eases the pressure on continual proof, for example if you have an accident and somebody is in intensive care obviously those proof arrangements are difficult.

"I think this step removes any legal impediments and makes sure the law works equally no matter what your situation."

Couples on the register will receive a proof-of-relationship certificate that will be recognised by government agencies in Victoria and also the courts.

"In Tasmania, unmarried same and opposite-sex couples can access parenting rights in areas like adoption by registering their relationship," Mr Croome said.

"Just as importantly, we urge both the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments to ensure they offer reciprocal recognition to each other's schemes so that registered couples have full spousal entitlements regardless of which side of Bass Strait they reside."

Mr Croome said many same-sex couples in Tasmania had reported increased acceptance from their families following the registering of their relationships.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission described the proposed Victorian register as a critical step in reducing discrimination.

Because it is an equal rights issue, which everybody can empathise with.

Man... I hate Steve Bracks.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Govt-may-change-gay-pension-laws/2007/07/12/1183833673968.html

The federal government has held talks with gay activists to discuss changing the law to give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.

The meeting comes after High Court judge Michael Kirby asked Attorney-General Philip Ruddock to change the judicial pension scheme so his long-term partner Johan van Vloten is treated the same as the spouse of a heterosexual judge.

Justice Kirby's case has highlighted the conclusion of a report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission that more than 20,000 gay Australian couples face systematic discrimination on a daily basis.

How are equal rights sickening? How would you even notice if they got these rights?

Do gay men have the right to have children in Australia..just wondering?


In America they do.

Im wondering if gay men having children in theyre care is in the best interest of the child.!

By that I mean school peers not understanding and confused gender roles as they grow to adulthood.

i dont know whgat all the complaining is about, gay people have the same marriage rights as everyone else, a gay man can marry any woman he wants .