In Australia marriage is mandated by federal legislation, so although civil unions are recognised in those five states, the couples are not seen as "married" by the federal government.
The distinction is mainly symbolic as same-sex couples nationally have equal rights to heterosexual couples in areas such as pension schemes and medical benefits.
Gay marriage is opposed by both major political parties, despite polls showing widespread public support for all couples having the right to wed.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes same-sex marriage rights, but her centre-left Labor party is being urged to reverse its official ban when it debates policy changes at its party conference this weekend.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Queensland, Australia vote last night legalizes gay civil unions; 5th of 8 Oz jurisdictions now do; more pressure on federal government to legalize gay marraige
Yesterday's late-night vote was 47-40; in a late-night sitting Wednesday, meaning five of the nation's eight states and territories now recognise homosexual unions.
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