Australia

The 2004 Marriage Amendment Act excludes complete equalization with heterosexual unions on a federal level, but efforts to change it are underway. On the 20th May 2008 the Civil Partnerships Act came into effect. Under the Civil Partnership Act couples pension laws as well as visitation rights in hospitals have been amended. A Marriage Equality bill, introduced by the local Green Party to parliament in June 2009, was rejected in November 2009. The Greens thereupon announced a second attempt in the following legislative period. Attempts to repeal the 2004 gay marriage ban have been mired in the political process and their chances of success are more than doubtful as Labour Party Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken a decisive stand against the possibility of same-sex unions (in contrast to large parts of her party). The premiers of South Australia and Tasmania are meanwhile engaged in attempts to launch their own, state-wide legislation on gay marriage. The first of the four gay marriage bills under discussion at this moment in time has already been defeated with a large majority. It is currently impossible to predict whether Australia will introduce same-sex marriage because of the profound dissension on a political level, although a majority have spoken out in favour of gay unions in surveys. A third of Australia's eight states and territories have varying laws regarding same-sex couples, but the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) law is considered the strongest. Tasmania is the first Australian federal state to have decided in favour of recognizing overseas same-sex marriages. Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. For exact details please refer to the corresponding heading for each state or territory. Australia, an island continent the size of Europe, offers an incredibly diverse gay travel experience: wonderful beaches, amazing rainforests, modern cities, ski areas in winter and the Red Centre with open space as far as the eye can see and wonderful never-ending blue skies. You will find the Australians friendly and hospitable, always pleased to show you their country.