Federal Gov’t To Challenge ACT’s Marriage Equality Laws Days Before First Weddings

The Australian Federal Government will bring around a cloud to rain on the parade of the first same-sex couples to say ‘Fuck Yeah, Sir or Ma’am’ when their High Court challenge to the ACT’s historic marriage equality laws takes place only days before the first same-sex ceremonies. Way to kill a buzz, Tone.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Government’s case would be heard by a full bench of men (and three women; Justices Crennan, Kiefel and Bell) in wigs over a two-day hearing on December 3rd and 4th, with a verdict anticipated in time for the territory’s first same-sex marriages slated to begin December 8th. The Commonwealth are predicted to argue that the territory-specific law is “inconsistent” with the Commonwealth Marriage Act as the “sole and uniform law on marriage”. The ACT will counter that, due to federal law’s archaic definition of marriage with which you’re no doubt well-acquainted by now, there remains “space for the states and territories to legislate for marriage between same-sex couples.” 
The hearing date was reportedly decided upon by Attorney-General George Brandis (who, ICYMI, is an advocate of the Commonwealth Marriage Act) to minimise the likelihood of any “distress” affianced couples may be subject to should their public declaration of love be rendered void and declared null in the eyes of the law following the event of a successful challenge mounted by the Commonwealth. 
So nice of you to be so considerate when making that “distress” minimising decision, George; three days is not enough time to cancel a phalanx of flautists or coterie of orchids on hold at Fyshwick markets. 

Photo: Torsten Blackwood via Getty Images

via SMH

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