From February 1 Australian couples will be able to access Certificates of Non-Impediment (CNI) to Marriage for overseas marriages regardless of their genders. Previously only issued to heterosexual couples, the certificates verify that there is no legal impediment to marriage such as an existing spouse or being underage. The certificates are required by the local laws of some countries before a union can be legalised.
The issuing of CNIs for same sex couples was announced today by Attorney-General Nicola Roxon. It follows a statement released in by December by former Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcoming the resolution of the ALP National conference to allow the issuing of CNIs top same-sex couples.
The issuing of CNIs brings marriage equality one step closer, though overseas marriages between same-sex couples will still have no legal standing in Australia. The CNIs will however be recognised as prima-facie evidence of a civil union under some Australian State and Territory laws.
OIP Staff
