Policies/Marriage

The Pirate Party proposes an end to state control of marriage in Australia.

Replace the Marriage Act 1961 with a Civil Unions Act.

 * Couples in a union under the Civil Unions Act will be afforded the same rights available under the current Marriage Act.
 * Civil unions will be available to all consenting couples.
 * The legal age of consent for involvement in a Civil Union will be 18 years.
 * The Civil Unions Act will provide a state recognized union with equivalent legal and monetary benefits to those provided currently within the Marriage Act.
 * Couples in legally recognised unions from overseas will be recognised under this Act.
 * An exception will apply to forced marriages instituted overseas, which will be considered invalid.
 * The institution of marriage will be removed from the purview of state authority and instead overseen by secular and religious organisations who will have freedom to offer ceremonies in adherence with their own beliefs.
 * No legal basis will be provided for any attempt to force any organisation to provide marriage services where such an act would be at odds with organisational values.
 * No part of this policy may be used to override or contradict freedom of religion as granted by the Constitution of Australia.
 * Forced unions will be banned.