Foreign recognition of registered Tasmanian relationships
The registration of non-married couple relationships is a new phenomenon.
A small but growing number of countries recognise registered relationships, or civil unions as they are called in some places.
These include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, several European countries and several states in the United States.
In these places, couples in civil unions have all the same rights as
married couples.
Under British law, Tasmanian registered relationships are considered a type of civil union.
This means that couples registered in Tasmania automatically have the same rights as married couples when they enter the UK.
This has benefits for short term visitors when it comes to visa
applications, travel and health insurance, and medical emergencies.
But its biggest implications are for long-term visitors to the UK who now have equal rights and protections without the need to re-register their relationship.
Reciprocal recognition is also important for couples resident in Tasmania in which one partner is British.
It means registering a Deed of Relationship in Tasmania provides automatic access to a range of rights under UK law in areas such inheritance, compensation and pensions.
