Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013
The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act will come into force on 19 August 2013.
Summary of changes within the Amendment Act:
The Amendment Act specifies that a marriage is between two people regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
As a result of this change, it is expected that same-sex married couples will be eligible, under the Adoption Act 1955, to apply jointly to adopt a child.
The Amendment Act clarifies that no marriage celebrant of a religious body or an approved organisation is obliged to solemnise a marriage would contravene the religious beliefs of the religious body or the religious beliefs or philosophical or humanitarian convictions of the approved organisation.
The Amendment Act enables transgender people to continue to be married regardless of their gender identity.