The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed a bill to strengthen civil union laws, during a marathon sitting that continued until early this morning.

The laws passed with support of the Greens and will allow legally binding ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell says the laws restore legislation overturned by the former Howard government.

He says it is a milestone, ending discrimination against gay couples.

“There will no longer be a paper-based scheme, there will no longer be some somewhat embarrassing administrative formality that has to be completed,” he said.

“It will be a meaningful, legally binding ceremony.” http://www.abc.net.au