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Civil unions and ceremonies
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In some countries, civil unions are only open to same-sex couples, in others to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
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| Some countries and jurisdictions also allow for a ceremony to be held at the same time as the contract legalising the union is made. |
This is a similar process to marriage in some countries, such as Australia and England, such the State has authorised the church to conduct marriages on its behalf.
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However other countries and jurisdictions do not allow for a ceremony at the same time.
This is also similar to marriage is some countries, such as France, where couples are married by the State in a registry office wedding, then may have their union "blessed" by the church in another ceremony. |
| Why is having a ceremony important ? |
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Public ceremonies have many functions. Ceremonies are
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• a way to honour a rite of passage - major changes in roles or responsibilities or life changes
• assist people in adjusting to life changes by defining such changes and
• offering community support for that change, and thus
• confer on the participants a certain measure of family, community and social acceptance and approval
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So ceremonies are very important in a number of different ways.
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| Each person's and each couples needs differ. |
| Some couples want minimal community recognition and support such as is provided by a registry office marriage. Other couples desire to share their special day with as many family and friends as possible. |
| In Australia, heterosexual couples have a range of choices about the legal recognition of their union and the styles of ceremonies available to honour their commitment to each other. Homosexual couples do not have the same range of choice. |
| Many civil celebrants will perform ceremonies for same sex couples. |
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For almost two decades now civil celebrants have been performing
• Commitment ceremonies
• Naming ceremonies
• Renewal of vows
• Birthdays and anniversaries
• Funeral and Memorial ceremonies
for gay and lesbian individuals and couples, and their families.
Civil celebrants in particular are available to plan and conduct a range of ceremonies for the main rites of passage and for other aspects of our lives.
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| If you would like to celebrate your love and your loved ones, celebrants would love to assist you in creating a wonderful occasion for you all to treasure for years ahead. |
People with ceremonial experience can offer choices you may not thought about, or encourage you to plan creatively so your hopes and dreams do come true.
Nothing like now to make some enquiries and start the ball rolling! |
| The ACCN is here to: |
| • advise and assist community members who recognise the need for such ceremonies, and |
| • promote a range of ceremonies by supporting celebrants via our Australia-wide networ |
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Please contact us if you have a special need or would like more information.
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