Council’s relationship declaration register will be discontinued, following the change in law in December, allowing same-sex couples to marry.
The register was established at Blue Mountains City Council in 2010.
“There wasn’t a great take-up of the register, but the register symbolically meant a lot to the community,” said Councillor Romola Hollywood, the IDAHOT [International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia] rep on council.
“Through the relationship register, our council demonstrated its values of an inclusive community which formally recognises same-sex relationships at a time when marriage equality seemed a long way off in Australia. This was one small step that we could take to show our respect for diversity in our community.”
Back in 2016, the council had debated whether to keep the register due to the low number of couples using it, but decided to keep the service until the federal government “ends discrimination against same-sex couples under the Commonwealth Marriage Act”.
Cr Hollywood said while marriage equality has been achieved, the fight to stand up against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia continues.
“This support is particularly important for young people who are gay, lesbian or gender diverse,” she said. “I am pleased our council is continuing to support our rainbow flag raising event for International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia. This year's event will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 10am-12pm. All community members are welcome to join us."
