The case of a British man who was refused next-of-kin status when his husband died in South Australia was "senseless discrimination", Premier Jay Weatherill says.
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.
Mr Bulmer-Rizzi says his husband's death certificate will read "never married" and that all decisions surrounding the death had to be approved by his father-in-law.
"I was completely overlooked," he told Buzzfeed.
"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 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."
Mr Weatherill said proposals to grapple with same-sex next-of-kin rights would be introduced into parliament this year after initial legislation to begin the removal of discrimination was brought forward last year.
"It is another example of how senseless discrimination of sexual orientation can cause pain and hurt," he said of Mr Bulmer-Rizzi's experience.
The Australian Greens called on the federal government to recognise same-sex marriages performed overseas.
"It's appalling that a grieving husband is being treated this way," SA Senator Robert Simms said.
"It really is degrading and humiliating and an example of the cruel nature of this element of Australian law."
Prominent Labor Senator Penny Wong said the case gave Australia yet another reason to legalise same-sex marriage.
"This case is a tragic example of how Australia's marriage laws discriminate against gays and lesbians, causing needless pain, suffering and heartache," she said.
Lobby group Australian Marriage Equality said the incident tarnished Australia's reputation.
"An interim measure would be the recognition of same-sex marriages in South Australian and federal law in the same way they are already recognised in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Queensland," national director Rodney Croome said.
Federal Attorney-General George Brandis' office told AAP the registration of deaths was a state government issue.
