THE CANBERRA TIMES: The Greens will table a same-sex marriage Bill at the Legislative Assembly this week.
Greens Attorney-General spokesman Shane Rattenbury said the Bill would establish the right for same-sex couples to have a legally recognised ceremony under the ACTs civil union legislation.
''This legislation is an important step in ensuring equality and respect for same sex couples in the ACT,'' Mr Rattenbury said.
''This legislation will mean that same sex couples, if they wish, can stand before family and friends and make their declaration of love for one another, just as any other couple can.''
But under Section 35(2) of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 the Governor-General has the power to disallow any enactment made by the Legislative Assembly within six months of its passing.
This power has been used once to repeal the Civil Unions Act (2006) that allowed same-sex marriage.
At the Labor national conference there was a debate about same sex-marriage and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reiterated his opposition to it.
Mr Rattenbury said Mr Rudd's views would not stop the Greens. ''Whilst the threat of Federal veto hangs over this legislation, we must not allow that to get in the way of doing what is right for the people of the ACT ... it's about respect, it's about equality for all couples. I know there have been battles about this before but times have changed and we need to press on. It's the right thing to do.'' [Source: The Canberra Times] Eva Kretowicz | Monday, August 24, 2009
