Australian immigration offers hope to same-sex couples
April 21 2009 by Gareth McConnell
Same-sex couples are to be given the same rights as heterosexual couples when moving to Australia as a result of changes the Australian government is making to the Immigration Act.
Under the new policy, same-sex couples will be included in the definition of ‘de-facto partner’
and ‘spouse,’ giving them access to a larger range of visas and
citizenship provisions. The changes will also ensure their children are
eligible for the same immigration rights as the children of
opposite-sex couples.
The changes will simplify Australian visa policies, eliminating any discrimination and will make same-sex couples eligible for any visa provisions for ‘spouses’ or ‘de-facto couples.’
The
changes to the Immigration Act 1949 and the Australian Citizenship Act
2007 were made from 15 March 2009, while the changes to the Immigration
Act 1971, the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994
will occur on 1 July 2009.
The Australian government hopes the changes will end any discrimination against people in same-sex couples who are hoping to move to Australia with their spouse or to individuals who are applying for a visa to join their same-sex partner who is already living in Australia.
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