Guy Barnett: High Court decision welcome -now focus on the economy

Today the High Court, rejected the ACT’s controversial and unconstitutional same-sex marriage laws.

Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons and lawyer said, “the High Court’s decision is welcome and protects the institution of marriage.”

“This is a good decision which confirms again marriage is between a man and a woman and is worthy of protection. It also protects the rights of children to both a mother and a father. Same-sex marriage would deny a child the right to either a mother or a father.

“The High Court decision confirms marriage is clearly a Commonwealth matter and marriage laws should be consistent across the country.

“Attempts by same-sex marriage advocates to push for state and territory based laws are nothing more than a political stunt. The decision means that couples who undertook same-sex marriage ceremonies in the ACT will have their unions voided.

The public have already had their say at the recent federal election rejecting the push for same-sex marriage. Likewise the federal parliament voted down same-sex marriage laws in September 2012 with a more than two to one majority.

“With the matter now definitively decided by the High Court, the Tasmanian government and same-sex marriage advocates must stop peddling their social agenda and focus on issues like the economy and jobs.” Mr Barnett concluded.
Liberal candidate for Lyons, Guy Barnett