The Australian
government has announced that it will change the rules for
tax-free social security benefits so that gay couples get
the same payout as married spouses.
The treasury department says the new regulation
for the government pension system--called
"superannuation"--will allow tax-free death
benefits for gay couples, elderly siblings living together,
and adult children caring for elderly parents. That's
the same system that now applies to married couples
and to those with children.
Australian wire services report that under the
new rules the government will deem a relationship
"interdependent" after considering whether it is
sexual in nature, involves emotional support, and includes
ownership or use of joint property. (Sirius OutQ News)