« Queensland gives full visa rights to civil partnerships, regardless of gender »

The state of Queensland now gives the same rights to Australian visas to same sex couples in a civil partnership as heterosexual marriages, following a recent ruling.

With effect from 23 March 2012 Queensland will recognise the full and equal rights of civil partnerships, bringing it in line with New South Wales and Tasmania. 

Following changes made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in 2009 this will mean that if two individuals in Queensland can prove they 'have registered their relationship under a prescribed state or territory law' then they do not have to prove they have been in a relationship for over a year.

The new rules provide that any two consenting adults, regardless of gender, can register for their civil partnership and then, after 10 days, can have their relationship officially recorded by the state government. Assuming one of the couple is already a resident of Queensland this will then allow the couple to apply for residency visas based on their civil partnership.

Deputy Premier of Queensland, Andrew Fraser, said, '"I am proud to have introduced this legislation into the Parliament, and I am proud that with the support of my colleagues it was passed by the Parliament".

"While it isn't marriage, it is the next best thing and as far as a state government can go in promoting relationship equality."