Australian Territory To Permit Civil Unions

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon05/12/120205ozUnions.htm

The government of Australia's Capital Territory has announced it will bring in legislation to create civil unions. The decision was hailed by LGBT civil rights groups and criticized by the federal government.

The Territory's Chief Minister said the bill would grant a "basic social and legal right" to couples whose relationships were not recognized under federal law.

It would give partners in same-sex relationships the right to inherit and consent to medical treatment for partners.

The bill is based on New Zealand's civil unions law which came into force in April, and similar to one coming into effect in Britain later this month and other civil union laws in Europe.

[joeybee12]

1. Another country surpasses the US in granting basic civil rights!

Anyone keeping count?

[bammertheblue]

2. South Africa

also approved civil unions. And this is a country that was under apartheid until not too long ago.
When are we going to get with the program?