Australians Support Civil Unions

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/06/062006ozpoll.htm

A bill at the center of a storm between the Australian Capital Territory and the federal government that would allow civil unions and provide the benefits of marriage has broad support among voters a new poll shows.

The Nielsen poll for the Fairfax newspaper group shows that 45 percent of Australian support the legislation while only 34 percent oppose it.

The groundbreaking civil union bill was passed by the Australian Capital Territory earlier this month but nullified by the federal government of Prime Minister John Howard.

The bill was based on Britain's civil partnerships and offered all of the rights and responsibilities of marriage without using the term.