The Australian Greens congratulate the ACT's newest happy couple, the first people to take advantage of the Territory's new laws allowing same-sex civil unions.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator on Sexuality and Gender Identity says Warren McGaw and Chris Rumble took part in the civil union ceremony held earlier today in the rose garden of Old Parliament House in Canberra.

"The Greens send our best wishes to Warren and Chris on their day of celebration,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.
"It is always a happy occasion when two people gather among family and friends to celebrate their love and commitment to each other.

"It is a particular source of celebration as this is the first couple to take advantage of the Territory's new laws allowing civil ceremonies.

"We hope that many more couples in the ACT get the chance to make this commitment.''

The Greens have led the way in the ACT, championing civil ceremonies legislation which has recently been enacted. Senator Hanson-Young today gave notice of a motion calling on the Senate to recognise the sovereignty of Territories to legislate within their powers without interference from the Federal Government. The motion will be voted on in the Senate tomorrow.

The Greens have also taken the lead federally, introducing a Private Members' Bill by Senator Hanson-Young seeking changes to the Marriage Act to allow marriage equality.

"Tomorrow, the Senate will release its report into my Marriage Equality bill - the inquiry into the bill has received the most responses of any such inquiry in Parliamentary history,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"This shows the interest in the public in debating the issue of whether people should have the right to marry the one they love, regardless of gender.

"This weekend, a Day of Action will be held around the country to launch a National Year of Action for Marriage Equality to stand up for this undeniable, natural right for all Australians.

"The Greens are optimistic that the journey begun today with a ceremony in a rose garden will eventually end with an acknowledgement of that undeniable right by our Federal Government and Parliament. We encourage as many people as possible to take part in the Day of Action this weekend, and look forward to the issue being debated in Parliament soon.''