The husband of a British man who died while they were on their honeymoon in Australia has welcomed the passing of South Australian legislation to establish a relationships register.
Marco Bulmer-Rizzi said it was the most humiliating time of his life when SA authorities informed him his partner David's death certificate would read "never married" because the state did not formally recognise same-sex relationships.
In the wake of the case almost a year ago, legislation to allow same-sex couples to have their relationships legally recognised passed the SA Parliament this week.
Mr Bulmer-Rizzi told 891 ABC Adelaide he was delighted to hear from the SA Premier's office in the past day that the bill had made it through both Houses.
He said happiness had now replaced what was so upsetting to him less than a year ago.
"Probably it's the happiest I have been in 11 months," he said, expressing satisfaction that other couples would now be allowed to register their love and a next-of-kin.
Despite the legislative shortfall back at the time of his partner's untimely death, Mr Bulmer-Rizzi said he had been inspired by the kind messages many South Australians sent him on Facebook, and he would be visiting SA again over Christmas, from Britain.
The Human Rights Law Centre welcomed the passage of the bill, saying it would give same-sex couples the dignity and practical benefits of formal recognition.
Premier Jay Weatherill said the register would pave the way for "all loving couples to have rights, and be recognised".
Meanwhile, South Australian Parliament today passed laws allowing same-sex couples to adopt a child.
South Australia and the Northern Territory have been the only Australian jurisdictions where gay couples cannot adopt.
The Parliament's focus will now shift to a bill to make it easier for same-sex couples to enter into surrogacy arrangements.
