Marriage equality advocates are overjoyed that same-sex couples will marry in Australia for the first time ever from this Saturday.
After hearing arguments for and against the constitutionality of the ACT’s Marriage Equality Act today, the High Court reserved its judgement for December 12, five days after marriages are due to begin under the ACT legislation.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“It is likely that from this Saturday we will see same-sex couples legally marrying in Australia.”
“This will be a great day for same-sex couples, their families and all Australians who support this important reform.”
“Australian same-sex partners will be able to marry the person they love in the country they love.”
“Regardless of the High Court’s final decision, the entire nation will witness the profound love and commitment same-sex couples share.”
Mr Croome said today’s hearing was also important because the federal government, for the first time ever, admitted it has the constitutional power to enact laws for same-sex marriages.
“There has been a question mark over the federal government’s constitutional power to legislate for same-sex marriages, but because Australian Marriage Equality was able to put this issue on the table the federal government conceded it does have the power to act in this area.”
The High Court was hearing a challenge to the ACT Marriage Equality Act from the Federal Government which believes only it can make laws for marriage.
The Court gave Australian Marriage Equality leave to defend state and territory same-sex marriage laws.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409010668. For clarification of legal issues contact Anna Brown from the Human Rights Law Centre which represented AME in the Court on 0422235522. To contact couples who intend to marry in the ACT contact Ivan Hinton on 0419124826.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 3 December 2013