by Rex Wockner
International News
Australia's Senate passed a bill Oct. 16 to treat unmarried couples who break up the same as married couples who divorce.
The measure, which was returned to the lower house for approval of Senate amendments, will create a uniform national standard for separating de facto couples, gay and straight, sending them to federal family-law courts to work out property settlements, pension splits and other issues.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the changes are "long overdue."
