Same-sex couples will have one less hurdle to jump through when it comes to having their union recognised in the ACT, with new legislation being introduced to automatically register overseas partnerships.

Currently couples who marry or enter into same-sex unions elsewhere in Australia, or overseas, have to register their partnership upon their return to Canberra.

The same process does not apply for heterosexual marriages and unions that took place in other jurisdictions, which are automatically recognised in the ACT.

Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the new laws aimed to cut red tape for same-sex couples.

"The amendments I am introducing to the Civil Unions Act will mean same-sex couples who were married, or entered into a civil union, outside the ACT will automatically have their relationship recognised under ACT law," he said.

"We don't want to be making people in same-sex relationships jump through hurdles that others don't have to.

"We look forward to marriage equality, but until that is the case, we will make sure it is open and as equal as possible for all people."

Mr Ramsay said an increasing number of states and territories were moving towards automatic recognition of same-sex marriage partnerships.

"It affords people who are in a same-sex marriage or a same-sex relationship the same equality and the same dignity as those who are in traditional marriages," he said.

"It's a way of recognising that all aspects of law and all aspects of love are equal."

For a period of five days in 2013 same-sex marriages were legislated for in the ACT, before a High Court challenge ruled the laws invalid.