“I Do” want to have a say on LGBTI Births, Deaths and Marriages

Individuals and organisations now have an extra two weeks to submit their views on how the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 (Qld) can improve legal recognition of LGBTI people and their families when registering life events.

Last month the Palaszczuk Government released a discussion paper titled Registering life events; Recognising sex and gender diversity and same-sex families, as part of its review of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration (BDMR) legislation.

The closing date for submissions has been extended to Thursday April 19 to give Queenslanders across the state the chance to have their voices heard.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said more than 80 stakeholders had already provided submissions in response to the first discussion paper released as part of the review.

“The response so far has been above and beyond our expectations,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“We want to continue this momentum and provide extra time for those who need it.

“We must ensure that this state’s BDMR legislation meets the needs of all members of the community, including those within the LGBTI community, so it’s important that we consider as many perspectives and viewpoints as possible.

“As I have said before, now that we have marriage equality, it’s the right time to examine whether this state’s life event registration services can be better aligned with changing community sentiments and expectations as well as the needs of LGBTI Queenslanders.

“I urge as many Queenslanders as possible to have their say by providing their thoughts and recommendations about ways in which the BDMR legislation can meet the community’s requirements and expectations.”

Submissions can be made in the form of a comprehensive proposal or by simply taking the online survey at www.justice.qld.gov.au/bdmactreview

Media contact: Kirsten MacGregor 0417 675 917