Marriage Equality Advocates have responded to Attorney-General George Brandis’s plans to challenge the ACT’s marriage equality bill, saying they have confidence in the proposed legislation and that the high court threat will only encourage more couples to get married sooner.
Australian Marriage Equality Deputy Director Ivan Hinton said:
“The federal government’s plans do not come as a surprise. We are confident the law would survive a high court challenge. This based on the legal advice of constitutional experts, the ACT Solictor-General’s opinion, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into same-sex marriage, and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute report”
“The only thing that is unclear is what is the basis of the federal governments challenge, with no legal advice or information being provided for scrutiny”
Mr Hinton said this would not deter couples across the territory and the country from marrying in the ACT:
“Even if the the Federal Government can challenge the laws in the high court, they can not stop same-sex weddings from occurring once marriage equality becomes law”
“This news will simply encourage more couples to marry sooner and join the ACT government in defending their right to legislate for this important reform”
“Same-sex couples don’t want to pick a fight with the federal government, but they do want to celebrate marriage with their friends, families, and communities”
Mr Hinton said Australian Marriage Equality would rigorously support the ACT Government in defending their marriage equality law.
Australian Marriage Equality Deputy Director Ivan Hinton
