(Reprinted without permission from June, 1991 XS)

     Homosexual relationships legally recognized for immigration

                Australia recognizes gay relationships

    Story from Gay & Lesbian Immigration Task Force Press Release

The  Australian  government  has introduced new regulations that grant
legal  recognition  to  homosexual  relationships  for  the purpose of
immigration.   On  Apr.  15, Australia joined the handful of countries
which  acknowledge  the  basic  human  rights of their gay and lesbian
residents  to  remain in their own country, living with the partner of
their choice, regardless of nationality.
    Between  1985  and 1989 a cumbersome system for granting residence
to  foreign  homosexual partners was administered case by case through
the Minister for Immigration's discretionary powers over compassionate
and  humanitarian  applications.  This mechanism was lost in 1989 in a
major overhaul of immigration regulations.
    The  official inclusion for homosexual partners in immigration law
represents  a  major  victory  for  Australian activists who have been
campaigning on the issue for seven years.  The new regulation does not
grant   equality   with  heterosexuals,  but  creates  a  category  of
"relationships  of emotional interdependency" outside of family links.
The regulation is not intended for exclusive use by gay couples.
    According  to  Sydney-based  immigration lobbyist, Betty Hounslow,
"the victory is not complete...  however, we should not let this spoil
our sense of pride in what we have achieved."