Support by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Greens led the passing on Wednesday night by the territory's Legislative Assembly of the same-sex union bill after a long debate.

The change in the party's stand came after the Greens talked with representatives of the gay and lesbian community in Canberra. The Greens' previous apprehension was that the laws would undermine federal efforts for marriage equality.

With the approval of the bill authored by Attorney-General Simon Corbell, gay couples are given same rights as heterosexual couples under the Marriage Act and it restores the role of ceremonies and celebrants in civil unions. It reinstates ACT's original civil union laws that were overturned by the Liberal federal government in 2006.

The civil union celebrant will oversee the civil union ceremony and declare the relationship legally binding. The celebrant's role will be similar to that played by a marriage celebrant.

"There will no longer be a paper-based scheme, there will no longer be some somewhat embarrassing administrative formality that has to be completed," ABC quoted Mr Corbell.

The measure was approved due to the change of stand by the Greens and despite the staunch opposition by the Liberals. The same-sex union law will take effect seven days after notification.

Similar legislations recognising gay marriages are pending in other Australian states as well as in the federal Parliament and add to the growing global push for civil acceptance of same-sex unions.

RELATED STORIES