2016-01-20
The Australian Greens have called on the Federal Government to recognise same-sex marriages performed overseas following disturbing news that a British man whose husband died in Adelaide over the weekend has been refused next-of-kin status.
"I was deeply distressed to read this report. It's appalling that a grieving husband is being treated this way. It really is degrading and humiliating and an example of the cruel nature of this element of Australian law. The parliament must act and the Foreign Minister must provide all possible assistance to this man," the Greens spokesperson on Marriage Equality, Senator Robert Simms, said.
"We currently have a situation where overseas same-sex marriages are recognised in three states but not in others. We have to remedy this complex web of relationship laws so that married couples receive the acknowledgement they deserve."
Senator Simms also plans to write to the Foreign Affairs Minister regarding the matter.
Media contact: Cambell Klose 0417 173 508