MELBOURNE, April 3, 2007  –  Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action!, has warmly welcomed the launch of Melbourne City Council’s relationship register last night, but has urged the Bracks government to follow its lead and enact a state-wide scheme.

The MCC scheme will allow same-sex and mixed-sex couples to have their relationships formally recognised, and celebrants are permitted to conduct the service. The scheme does not, however, afford any legal rights at State or Commonwealth level.

Civil Union Action! spokesperson, John Kloprogge, welcomed Premier Steve Bracks' request that Attorney-General Rob Hulls investigate the possibility of establishing a statewide scheme.

“The fact that the State Government is now formally investigating its options for a relationship scheme is a promising sign,” Mr Kloprogge said.

However, Mr Kloprogge said same-sex couples would want to see a future relationship scheme satisfy certain conditions.

“First, same-sex couples want a scheme that will give them identical rights and recognition as married couples for the purposes of Victorian law.”

"Secondly, the option of a legally-recognised ceremony is important. If same-sex couples cannot have their unions publicly solemnified, they are effectively invisible,” Mr Kloprogge concluded.

Civil Union Action! is encouraging people to write to Premier Bracks about the need for a relationship scheme.