Overview

This bill amends the Marriage Act 1949 to allow the Registrar General to authorize certain registered charities to conduct marriages. These charities must be focused on religious or non-religious belief systems, not possess a registered place of worship, and be deemed reputable.

Description

Eligibility for Approval

The Registrar General can approve organisations to conduct marriages if they are registered charities promoting a religion or belief (including non-religious beliefs), do not own or use a registered place of worship, and have a good reputation. The Registrar General will also designate a principal officer within each approved organisation to appoint registering officers. These appointments are subject to conditions regarding the conduct of marriages and the safekeeping of marriage register books.

Marriage Procedures

Marriages under this act must be conducted with open doors, in the presence of either a registrar or an appointed registering officer, and two witnesses. The marriage must be conducted using the prescribed declarations and form of words from Section 44 of the 1949 act. A certificate confirming the couple's membership in the approved organisation is required before the marriage notice can be given.

Amendments to the 1949 Act

The bill makes consequential amendments to the Marriage Act 1949, updating various sections to incorporate the new provisions for approved organisations. These amendments cover aspects such as marriage registration, the provision of marriage register books, and offences related to the solemnisation of marriages. The bill also includes a definition of "approved organisation" and "registering officer of an approved organisation" within the Marriage Act of 1949.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct costs or savings to government spending. However, there will be administrative costs associated with processing applications from organisations, overseeing their compliance, and updating relevant systems.

Groups Affected

• Registered Charities: Those meeting the bill's criteria will have the opportunity to conduct marriages, potentially impacting their operations and finances.
• Couples: Couples who are members of the approved organisations will have a wider choice of venues for their marriage ceremony.
• Registrar General and Staff: Increased workload due to the processing of applications and supervision of approved organisations.
• Superintendent Registrars: Additional responsibilities regarding the registration of marriages conducted by approved organisations.

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