Victorian Gay and de facto couples will now be able to register their relationships, due to historic legislation being passed last night in the state’s lower house. The Government’s Relationships Bill will be introduced to the upper house today and could become law as early as next month.

The Relationships Bill will allow couples to record their relationships with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriage and is set to make it easier for unmarried people to access existing entitlements such as superannuation, by allowing them a simpler way to prove they are in a relationship. 

Under existing laws, couples may be required to provide evidence to prove their relationship, for example, in medical emergencies or to access property and life insurance entitlements.

In a vote that split the opposition, Liberal leader Ted Baillieu supported the Government bill, saying he had a strong view about bringing people together, and an optimistic view of this legislation and that this bill was about respect.

"I recognise, acknowledge and respect that there are many with a counter view, many who are concerned that this bill signals an erosion of traditional marriage," he told Parliament.

However, Mr Baillieu’s new Coalition partner, Nationals leader Peter Ryan, opposed it (as did several Liberal frontbenchers) saying it would detract from the importance of marriage.

"What this bill does is to establish a structure which is a step toward equalising the notion of a same sex relationship, in particular, with that of marriage," he said.

All Labor MPs in the chamber for the 10pm voted in support of the bill, with 54 MPs in total in support and only 24 MPs against. Attorney-General Rob Hulls described passage of the legislation as "a great day for Victoria".

Introducing the bill last December, Attorney-General Rob Hulls said it would overcome discrimination and promote human rights.

"What this bill does is to enable couples who want the dignity of formal recognition of their loving relationship to register it, to receive a certificate, and to have the security of knowing that their decision to commit to a shared life with each other is respected in Victoria," Mr Hulls stated at parliament on December 6.

The Government has said that the new legislature does not create gay marriages or civil unions but will improve access to entitlements such as superannuation for gay couples.

The bill will be passed in the upper house, with Labor, the Greens and several Liberals certain to support it.

Tags: relationships register