Caring couples
One of the most innovative features of the Tasmanian relationships registry is that is allows people in a wide range of non-sexual or "caring" relationships to certify their unions.
These relationships can include those between carers and the people they care for, older companions, or people in ethnic and Aboriginal families whose kinship ties have not been recognised by the law in the past.
Indeed the law is inclusive enough to allow most people to define for themselves who is the most important person in their life.
As with same and mixed-sex couples, one of the chief advantages of registration for caring couples is that it enables these couples to prove the existence of their relationship and obtain all the rights, responsibilities and protections to which they are entitled under the law.
This can be important in a wide range of circumstances from accessing services, to obtaining insurance and health care, through to emergency medical decision-making.
Registration also allows caring couples to affirm their love and commitment in a way not otherwise available.
Personal relationships have traditionally been seen as only important, and worthy of protection and celebration, if they are sexual, domestic or otherwise "marriage-like".
The Tasmanian relationships registry moves us beyond this narrow view of relationships, placing the emphasis instead on love and commitment wherever it is found.
