Town of Port Hedland becomes first regional council to recognise same-sex unions

The Town of Port Hedland has become the first regional council in Western Australia and the second in the State to recognise same sex unions after its councillors passed a motion to establish a relationship declaration register last night.

The declaration does not have the power to change the legal status of a person, but will provide couple’s with evidence of their relationship in some legal proceedings such as wills and medical treatment decisions.

The move follows the Town of Vincent which was the first local council to recognise the unions in Western Australia in 2012.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said the decision to establish the declaration register followed a community consultation period.

“Thirteen individual submissions were received in support of the register, plus two petitions with a total of 114 signatures,” she said.

“Two submissions were received against the register.”

The motion was passed at a council meeting by a simple majority vote 6-2.

Deputy Mayor Gloria Jacob originally brought the matter to council with the support of the Port Hedland Lesbian and Gay Society in June.

She commended the Town on its progressive and inclusive thinking during the council meeting.

“The policy is just a register that recognises the relationships of couples, irrespective of gender,” she said.

“I am a lesbian… I respect people’s view in the community but it’s not a word that makes me ashamed.”

“Let people judge our community by our actions and the contributions we make to our society.”

Councillor David Hooper, who is also a Christian Minister, supported the declaration register during the council vote.

He said after learning more about the policy, he believed supporting it did not interfere with his views on the definition of marriage.

Ms Howlett said the decision to pass the register was a significant step forward for equality.

“Under the policy, couples living in Western Australia are able to declare that they are partners and have this declaration recorded in the Town of Port Hedland Relationship Declaration Register,” she said.

“While it’s not equivalent to same sex marriage it is a formal recognition of the relationship.”

A relationship declaration application cost $35.