What practical effect would same-sex marriage have on the rights of same-sex couples? Former prime minister Tony Abbott claims that "same-sex couples in a settled domestic relationship have exactly the same rights as people who are married". RMIT ABC Fact Check found Mr Abbott's claim is exaggerated. On paper, same-sex couples in a settled relationship do have the same broad set of rights as opposite-sex couples who are married. This is because, over more than a decade, federal, state and territory governments have made real efforts to standardise the rights of same-sex, de facto and married couples. But on a practical basis, same-sex couples have to deal with administrative hassle and uncertainty that opposite-sex married couples never have to face. Those who have not (or cannot) register their relationship may have to prove their de facto status when dealing with hospitals, Centrelink and other areas of government. This can lead to same-sex couples having to disclose personal information to strangers or faceless government officials, which can be invasive and traumatic. By contrast, married people can simply use their marriage certificate as proof of their relationship. Same-sex couples also must hope that government officials in health, welfare or other areas understand the complexities of the law around de facto relationships and will apply it correctly. A married couple knows their relationship will be recognised even in the most shambolic of bureaucratic systems.
Verdict: Exaggerated