ACT Passes Same-Sex Marriage Laws

[mcmasterdonia]

The Australian Capital Territory has passed same sex marriage laws.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-22/act-passes-same-sex-laws/5037674

The Commonwealth Marriage act defines marriage as between a man and a woman and this will likely result in a High Court challenge which is expected to rule in favor of the Commonwealth Government.

Strangely, the Prime Minister's sister has announced that she is engaged to her long time partner (who is a woman) and the Prime Minister has said that he will be at her wedding. He does not support changing the marriage act to allow for gay marriage.

The Federal Parliament also has the power to overturn territory legislation and this could be a possibility. It is unlikely that such a move would be approved by the Senate.

 

[Ash]

So basically, it's a slow crawl to equality?

 

[Lennart]

I hope Australia keeps moving in that direction.

 

[mcmasterdonia]

Prime Minister has confirmed that he will be challenging the laws based on inconsistency with the federal law. It seems very likely that it will be overturned by the High Court of Australia.

 

[Kiwi]

Awww that's sad. Baby steps, I guess.

 

[Lennart]

poor gay people

 

[Ash]

Yeah, we're used to it by now.