Australia's top court overturns law allowing same-sex marriage in capital territory

December 12, 2013

Australia’s highest court has struck down a new law that allowed for same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The court ruled that the new law, adopted by local ACT lawmakers in October, was invalid, because the Australian constitution gives the federal government power to set marriage laws. The federal legislature had turned back a bid to recognize same-sex marriage in a September vote.

The ACT legislation took effect on December 7, and 20 same-sex couples had already been married before the court’s ruling was announced on December 12. Those unions will now be annulled.

 

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Further information:

• High Court strikes down ACT gay marriage law (The Australian)
• Australian High Court overturns gay marriage law in ACT (RTE)