Summary of Marriage law issues raised by CoCA in 2015

Hello Visitor,

We aim to keep Federal MPs and Senators informed of our Celebrant industry and the work of Australia's peak advisory body, The Coalition of Celebrant Associations (CoCA) Inc.

Topic:  Summary of issues raised with MPs and Senators in 2015

CoCA has suggested several options for you to consider in relation to changes to the Marriage Act 1961

1. If the Marriage Act is changed to include same sex marriage, CoCA recommends the definition of marriage -between "two consenting adults"
   
   
2. Section 113 to be deleted or amended to ensure all marriages ceremonies, civil or religious, are transparent as to their validity under Australian law
   
   
3. Sections 45 and 46 to apply to all marriage ceremonies - civil or religious. This does not need to interfere with any religious rites. Rather this would be a small addition prior to the religious ceremony proceeding
   
   
4. The need for improved training for all marriage celebrants in marriage law
   
   The above recommendations are proposed to ensure the same set of principles apply to all couples and all marriage ceremonies.
   
   Doing so would strengthen public education about marriage in Australia and assist in addressing concerns about Child & Forced Marriage.

The Coalition of Celebrant Associations (CoCA) Inc is
the peak body for celebrants in Australia.

CoCA is an association of celebrant associations spanning the nation.

One of CoCA's key roles is to represent Commonwealth marriage celebrants concerns, needs and suggestions to the Attorney-General and the Attorney-General's Department and through its Protocol with the Department to provide advice on the development, implementation and review of the Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant Program.