GAY and de facto couples will be able to formally register their relationships in Victoria after the Legislative Assembly last night passed historic legislation that split the Coalition.
Liberal leader Ted Baillieu supported the Government bill, which will allow couples to record their relationships with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriage.
But his new Coalition partner, Nationals leader Peter Ryan, opposed it, as did several Liberal frontbenchers including treasury spokesman Kim Wells, transport spokesman Terry Mulder, shadow attorney-general Robert Clark and former leader Denis Napthine.
All Labor MPs in the chamber for the 10pm vote supported the bill, which the Government says does not create gay marriages or civil unions but will improve access to entitlements such as superannuation for gay couples.
Independent MP Craig Ingram was among the 24 MPs who voted against the bill. It was supported by 54 MPs, including Attorney-General Rob Hulls, who described passage of the legislation as "a great day for Victoria".
With Liberal and National party MPs having a free vote, Mr Ryan spoke against the register while Mr Baillieu spoke for it.
Mr Ryan said it would detract from the importance of marriage.
"Marriage is a singular issue of great significance in our society," he said. "It is the cornerstone of enabling a stable family environment for children."
Mr Ryan said he respected other opinions. However, he described himself as an unapologetic and strong advocate of the institution of marriage.
"What this bill does is to establish a structure which is a step towards equalising the notion of a same-sex relationship in particular with marriage," he said.
But Mr Baillieu disagreed, saying he had a strong view about bringing people together, and an optimistic view of this legislation.
"I recognise, acknowledge and respect that there are many with a counter view, many who are concerned that this bill signals an erosion of traditional marriage," he told Parliament.
"I can understand this concern to protect and nurture marriage as an institution. I share the view that marriage is an essential component of our society, our culture and our future.
"But I do not share the argument in regard to this bill that marriage will be undermined. If I did, I would not support it.
"I respect the concern. I just do not share it. For me, this bill is about respect."
Mr Baillieu said he did not support the concept of gay marriage, but he was in favour of measures to help people manage their relationships, when they are together and when they are separating.
"The Parliament should always preserve to itself the opportunity to legislate in particular areas in favour of marriage and the role and responsibility of raising and nurturing children," he said.
"But that should not diminish our capacity to assist others and other relationships."
The bill will be passed in the upper house, with Labor, the Greens and several Liberals certain to support it.
Mr Ryan said the beauty of a free vote — which Labor did not allow its MPs — was that people could express their personal views and vote accordingly.
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