Britain thanks SA for gay apology

Britain has thanked South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill after his apology to a gay British man who was refused next-of-kin status when his husband died in Adelaide.

Marco Bulmer-Rizzi's husband David died on Saturday after falling down stairs and cracking his skull at a friend's home during the couple's honeymoon in Adelaide.

The death certificate - which the SA government hopes to reissue - read "never married" and Mr Bulmer-Rizzi was not allowed to authorise decisions surrounding his husband's funeral.

British High Commissioner to Australia Menna Rawlings thanked Mr Weatherill for his pledge to introduce laws recognising same-sex marriages performed overseas.

The premier earlier called Mr Bulmer-Rizzi to apologise for his treatment by Australian authorities.

"He told me that in a range of ways he felt disrespected," Mr Weatherill said on Wednesday night.

"It shouldn't have happened and I am sad that it happened here in South Australia."

Mr Weatherill said full rights for same-sex partners would only be resolved fully when gay marriage was legalised.

"Ultimately, this is about recognition of same-sex marriage and there are so many things that flow from that, such as basic acceptance in our community of people at every level," he said.

Mr Bulmer-Rizzi was left devastated after being "completely overlooked" in the wake of his husband's death.

"Every single question I was asked - whether or not I wanted David cremated, whether or not I wanted David to have a service, or be washed, even the cost of the coffin they were to use - after I gave my answer, David's father was consulted," he told Buzzfeed.

"He was also specifically asked, `Do you want to look this over before it's signed?' It was outright discrimination. If I didn't get on with my in-laws, I don't know that I would have any rights."