Tasmania same-sex partner laws take effect

Tasmania's Relationships Act is the first of its kind in Australia, and it grants same-sex couples nearly the same status as married couples with respect to state laws.

The new laws recognize "significant and caring" relationships, using the word "partner" in place of "husband" or "wife," The Age reported.

Rodney Croome of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group said the change marks a significant turnaround in the state's tolerance of gay and lesbian citizens.

"Tasmania's gone from having the worst laws and attitudes on homosexuality to having the best," he said.

Five years ago, state laws considered homosexual sex a crime that could result in 21 years behind bars, he added.

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