Australian High Court Shuts Down New Marriage Equality Law, Gay Marriages Declared Invalid
In extremely upsetting and infuriating news, Australia’s High Court has overturned legalization of same-sex marriage in Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
In October, the territory was the first part of Australia to legalize same-sex marriages. However, the national government challenged the law, claiming that it contradicted federal law, which specified in 2004 that marriage was between a man and a woman.
The High Court ruled unanimously against the same-sex marriage law, saying in a statement:
Whether same-sex marriage should be provided for by law is a matter for the federal parliament. The Marriage Act does not now provide for the formation or recognition of marriage between same-sex couples. The Marriage Act provides that a marriage can be solemnised in Australia only between a man and a woman.
The High Court went on to say that any change in marriage equality reform would have to come from the Federal Government. ACT legislation allowed all Australian gay couples to marry inside the ACT, which includes Canberra, Australia’s capital. The 27 couples who have been married since the law came into effect last weekend are being stripped of their marriages.
Teoh and Hinton
via ABC
Ivan Hinton, who was married last Sunday to his partner Chris Teoh, said, “In less than a week we’ve been married and we’ve been unmarried, at least on a legal level. We’re still married. I’ve made commitments to Chris to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Rodney Croome, the National Director for Australian Marriage Equality said, “This is devastating for those couples who married this week and for their families.”
The Australian Christian Lobby said in a discriminatory and ultimately objectively incorrect statement:
Marriage between a man and a woman is good for society and beneficial for governments to uphold in legislation. It is about providing a future for the next generation where they can be raised by their biological parents, wherever possible. It is now time to move on.
Last year, a bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was voted down in both houses of Parliament, but civil unions are legal in some Australian states.
Polls from last April suggest that almost two-thirds of Australians support same-sex marriage, compared to only 38% in 2004. About 81% of young people are in favor of same-sex marriage.
Reform is still possible, and maybe even inevitable. Greens leader Christine Milne said,
What the court has decided has made it very clear that the Federal Parliament has the power to legislate for marriage equality…. [The ruling is] a clarion call for everyone in the country who supports marriage equality to now put pressure on the Federal Government and the Federal Parliament to change it.
Darlene Cox and Liz Holcombe
via ABC
Darlene Cox, who married partner Liz Holcombe on Saturday, said “I have to say the weekend was so fabulous that it’s taken the shine off, but we’re still walking on air… We were legally married for five days and that’s terrific.” She’s not angry with the High Court ruling, instead arguing that laws are enacted and people change them, which is part of the democratic process. Now the responsibility is on The Federal Government. She said, “If they were so sure that they needed to challenge the legislation, let’s make sure marriage equality is on the national agenda.”
feature image via feminspire.com