Tasmania Recognizes Overseas Gay Marriage

The upper house of Tasmania's legislature has passed an amendment to the Relationships Act allowing gay couples from other states and overseas to be automatically recognized as partners in a Tasmanian Deed of Relationship.

This amendment makes Tasmania the first Australian state to recognize overseas same-sex marriages. According to Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome (pictured), the move will provide greater legal security to couples moving to Tasmania.

The amendment passed the upper house without opposition. Last month it passed the lower house and was supported by all but three of the 25 members.