THE TELEGRAPH: The Australian Capital Territory has become the first region in Australia to legalise civil partnership ceremonies for same-sex couples.
Under the new laws, gay couples will be able to hold a legally recognised civil union ceremony in front of friends and family in the territory, which is home to the capital Canberra and the nation's parliament.
The region's legislators approved the bill, which moved by the local Greens party.
Andrew Barr, an ACT minister who is in a gay relationship, wept as he spoke in support of the bill.
"Love, trust and intimacy and commitment are found at the heart of all good relationships," Mr Barr later told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"I'm proud that this parliament will send that signal that my relationship with Anthony is equal to any other." >>> Bonnie Malkin in Sydney | Wednesday, November 11, 2009
