Marriage Equality in Central Queensland | Registry Weddings for All Couples

Since December 9, 2017, marriage in Australia has been defined as “the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.” This definition applies regardless of gender or sexuality.

The Path to Marriage Equality

Historical Context in Queensland

  • 1990: Queensland decriminalised homosexuality, following other Australian states
  • 2004: Marriage Act amended nationally to explicitly define marriage as between a man and a woman
  • 2009-2017: Multiple federal attempts to change marriage laws across Australia
  • 2017: Successful postal survey and legislative change benefiting all Queensland couples

The Postal Survey Results

  • Conducted nationally between September and November 2017
  • 61.6% of Australians voted ‘Yes’ for marriage equality
  • Queensland recorded a 60.7% ‘Yes’ vote, with strong support in Central Queensland
  • Over 80% of eligible Australians participated, including high participation in Mackay region

Legislative Change

  • Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017
  • Passed parliament on December 7, 2017
  • Became law on December 9, 2017
  • First legal same-sex marriages took place from January 9, 2018

What This Means Today

  • All marriages are equal under Australian law
  • Same legal rights and protections for all married couples
  • Full recognition of overseas same-sex marriages
  • Equal access to marriage-related benefits and obligations

Registry Wedding Services in Central Queensland

At the Mackay Marriage Office, serving Mackay, Bucasia, Walkerston, Whitsundays, Sarina, Proserpine, and Moranbah:

  • We welcome all couples equally for paperwork-only registry weddings
  • Same streamlined legals-only process for everyone
  • Identical legal requirements apply to all couples
  • Same documentation needed regardless of gender or sexuality
  • Equal access to our simple wedding ceremony services

Documentation

  • Marriage certificates are identical for all couples
  • No gender-specific language on certificates
  • Standard forms use inclusive terminology
  • Equal recognition by all government departments

Religious Protections

  • Religious organisations can choose whether to perform marriages
  • Civil celebrants must follow inclusive laws
  • Our services are non-religious and welcome all couples

Overseas Recognition

  • Australian same-sex marriages are recognised in many countries
  • Recognition varies internationally
  • Check specific country requirements if travelling
  • We can provide guidance on documentation needed

Marriage Equality in Central Queensland Today

The Mackay Marriage Office champions equality in marriage throughout Central Queensland by:

  • Providing professional paperwork-only registry wedding services to all couples in Mackay, Bucasia, Walkerston, Whitsundays, Sarina, Proserpine, and Moranbah
  • Using inclusive language in all our simple wedding ceremonies
  • Ensuring equal treatment for every couple seeking legals-only marriage services
  • Supporting all couples’ right to marry with dignity and respect across Central Queensland
  • Offering the same efficient registry wedding process regardless of gender, sexuality, or background