Office of Regulatory Services figures show just over half the ACT's civil partnership registrations in the past six months were by heterosexual couples wanting legal protection, but who did not wish to marry.

Of the 42 registrations, 24 were by heterosexual couples, while the remaining 18 were for civil partnerships between same-sex couples.

Since the Civil Partnerships Act came into force in May 2008, the number of registrations in the ACT has increased from 60 in 2008-09 to 74 in 2009-10 and 88 in 2010-11.

In December last year, Attorney-General Simon Corbell introduced a Bill to fully restore civil ceremonies and recognition of same-sex partnerships in the ACT.

The Civil Unions Bill 2011 is expected to be debated by the Assembly in the first quarter of this year, and if passed with support of the Greens would revive the Civil Unions Act 2006, with the exception that the new category of partnership would not be available to heterosexual couples who can marry under the Marriage Act.

Mr Corbell said civil partnerships for heterosexual couples who wanted legal protection for their relationship, without marrying, would instead be moved into the Domestic Relationships Act.

''We do know that there are a number of heterosexual couples that do not want to be married,'' he said. ''We will continue to offer that to them but it will be in the Domestic Relationships Act.''

Mr Corbell said passage of the civil union laws was as far as the ACT could go to provide legal recognition of same-sex relationships, with the inclusion of a legally binding ceremony.

Under the current partnerships Act, a ceremony can occur but the partnership only takes legal effect once the relationship is registered.

''It is an important change because it demonstrates that the ACT will take every practical step available to eliminate legal discrimination against same-sex couples,'' Mr Corbell said.

Meanwhile, Australians who want to take part in a same-sex marriage overseas will soon be able to apply for a certificate of no impediment.

Heterosexual couples have the legal right to the certificate which confirms there is no legal impediment to a person taking part in a marriage ceremony.

Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said in a statement yesterday, ''This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies.''

They will be considered married according to the laws of that country. In some countries, foreign nationals have to produce a certificate of no impediment of marriage from the country in which they hold citizenship. Applications for the certificate can be made from February 1. with AAP