South Australian Greens Senator Rob Simms today introduced a bill into parliament to ensure same-sex marriages solemnised in foreign countries are legally recognised in Australia.
The move comes after David Bulmer-Rizzi died in Adelaide last month after falling down stairs and cracking his skull during his honeymoon with husband Marco, who was subsequently denied next-of-kin status.
Senator Simms, pictured, said a national law would ensure foreign same-sex marriages were recognised in all Australian states.
“One of the reasons I’m putting it forward is because we saw just a few weeks ago with the Bulmer-Rizzi case the terrible human consequences of this discrimination under the law,’’ Senator Simms said.
“These kinds of human rights shouldn’t stop and start at state borders. We need to have a uniform national approach to this issue.”
Previous attempts by the Greens and independent MP Andrew Wilkie to introduce laws to recognise foreign same-sex marriages have failed.
The bill is being introduced as supporters of marriage equality continue to pressure the government to abandon plans for a plebiscite on same-sex marriage and instead allow MPs to settle the issue with a conscience vote.
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