Australian Government Makes Easier For Gay Bi National Couples To Married

Australians who want to take part in a same-sex marriage overseas will soon be able to apply for a certificate of no impediment.

Heterosexual couples already have the legal right to the certificate which confirms there is no legal impediment to a person taking part in a marriage ceremony.

"This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies," federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said in a statement on Friday.

They will considered married according to the laws of that country.

In some countries, foreign nationals are required to produce a certificate of no impediment of marriage from the country in which they hold citizenship.

Applications for the certificate can be made from February 1.

The change has been welcomed by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

The centre's chief executive Edward Santow said the move was an important milestone towards achieving equality for same-sex couples.

"By refusing to issue certificates of no impediments ... Australia was forcing its own discriminatory approach onto other countries," he said in a statement.

(From Australian sources)