Queensland moved a stop closer to legalising same-sex unions when Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser introduced on Tuesday the Civil Partnerships Bill.

The proposal, which would make Queensland the fourth Australian state or territory to recognise civil unions, is expected to be debated heavily in parliament. Independents called the legislation a waste of time, the Opposition views it as a political stunt and the administration would allow a conscience vote among party members.

"I introduce a bill tonight that will declare the end of the legal fiction of human relationships, and give fuller meaning to the relationships that many of our fellow Queenslanders hold as their most important and significant," Couriermail.com.au quoted Mr Fraser.

"We live in a modern, diverse society. Our community shares many different views, many different beliefs, many different attitudes.

"It is a step towards equality, towards inclusion, towards truth and towards the realization of the legitimate aspirations of thousands and thousands of Queenslanders, their partners, their families and their friends," the deputy premier said.

Liberal National Party (LNP) MPs opposed the first reading of the bill, but the proposal was read after MPs voted 46 to 30 for its introduction. LNP leader Campbell Newman explained that while he supports gay marriage, he is not in favor of changing the law but would rather that the Queensland Parliament must focus on other more pressing matters such as the cost of living.

Jennifer Rice, a family law specialist, told ABC that legalising same-sex union could have a flow-on effect in terms of government benefits, but it would depend if the Commonwealth would recognise the registrations.

Queensland's Parliament will debate on the bill on Wednesday night.

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