The Federal Government has filed its submissions to the High Court in the challenge to the ACT’s same-sex marriage laws.
Last month the ACT became the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass laws legalising same-sex marriages.
The laws mean the first same-sex weddings could be held from December 8, unless the High Court intervenes.
But the Commonwealth is hoping to have the ACT laws thrown out.
In its submission, the Commonwealth has referred back to Roman times to highlight the long recognition of the importance of marriage.
But the submission mainly concentrates on the 2004 amendments to the Commonwealth Marriage Act which confirms the law that a marriage can not be recognised unless it is between a man and a woman.
The Federal Government has also stated other parliaments do not have the power to give legal status to any other union beyond those essential requirements of marriage.
The ACT Government has promised to re-draft the laws if they are found to be invalid by the High Court.
The ACT is yet to file its reply.
The court is expected to hear the challenge on December 3.
Author: Elizabeth Byrne
Publication: ABC News
Date: 14 November 2013
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