Marriage!!!!!!!!!! Same sex couples. Be careful what you wish for.
I do find it interesting that none of the supporters of gay marriage have wanted a referendum over the right
I would say that most proponents of marriage equality don't consider it a constitutional issue. The constitution grants power over marriage and divorce to the Commonwealth and I don't think there is a need to change it.
Most proponents of marriage equality also consider it a human rights issue that over time should be legislated by the government preferably through bi-partisan agreement or alternatively with a conscience vote.
California is a good example, the referendum (citizen initiated) was not successful and did not go at all on normal party lines.
The advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality said at least 20 same-sex couples are marrying in Canberra this weekend, including its deputy director, Ivan Hinton.
There goes NZ's competitive advantage on Marriage Equality.
Couples are heading to Canberra instead of NZ to do the deed.
Cheaper and better for our economy.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11168610
Not having a go at same sex couples. If they want to marry, then good luck to them. I know a divorce lawyer who is all for it.
Assuming that the High Court side with the ACT what would be the government's next move (assuming they can make one)?
That's what I was hoping.
Well, hopefully they'll just take their lumps and shut up. If the High Court rules in constitutionally valid then there's not much they can do.
122 Government of territories
The Parliament may make laws for the government of any territory surrendered by any State to and accepted by the Commonwealth, or of any territory placed by the Queen under the authority of and accepted by the Commonwealth, or otherwise acquired by the Commonwealth, and may allow the representation of such territory in either House of the Parliament to the extent and on the terms which it thinks fit.
Really?
The could amend the marriage act to make it clearer for one thing.
Then there's s 122 of the Constitution:
And the Act by which the ACT actually has the right ot make its own laws could be amended: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2013C00134/Html/Text#_Toc353261682