Australian gay couples get equal rights, but no weddings: minister

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — Gay and lesbian couples will have the same rights as heterosexuals under new Australian laws but marriage will remain off limits, Attorney General Robert McClelland said Wednesday.

McClelland announced that the Labor government would introduce legislation next month to remove same-sex discrimination from some 100 laws, including those related to health and pension entitlements, social security and tax.

The proposed national legislation, which will bring federal laws into line with those in the states and territories, will grant homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual de facto relationships, McClelland said.

"The changes will provide for equality of treatment in a wide range of areas including superannuation, taxation, social...