Same-sex couples in ACT nervously await High Court decision on laws

Updated

The fate of the ACT's same-sex marriage laws will be known today, with the High Court in Canberra due to rule on the validity of the legislation.

Although the laws have been operating for a month, couples intending to marry needed to give four weeks notice.

Nearly 30 couples tied the knot between Saturday and today to take advantage of the narrow time period before the judgement was handed down.

Many fear today's court decision could render their marriages invalid.

The Commonwealth launched a High Court challenge arguing the laws are inconsistent with the Federal Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The ACT countered saying its laws could sit beside the Federal legislation because it has defined a different type of marriage between same-sex couples.

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says she is preparing for the worst ahead of the ruling.

"We're looking forward to getting an outcome from the High Court. We hope it is in the ACT's favour," she said.

"If it is not, we'll look at the judgement and see what the next steps are, if there can be any.

"I mean if they rule that the Commonwealth has covered the field then really the issue goes squarely to the Federal Parliament."

Topics: states-and-territories, lgbt, canberra-2600, act

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