The Federal Government’s challenge to the ACT’s same-sex marriage laws has moved a step closer to a hearing before the full bench of the High Court.
Last month the ACT became the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass laws legalising same-sex marriages.
The Commonwealth had sought an expedited hearing in order to have the new law struck out.
There is still a chance the first marriages of same-sex couples could take place in the ACT before there is any decision.
The ACT Government has promised to re-draft the laws if they are found to be invalid by the High Court.
The full bench of the High Court has set aside a two day hearing for the challenge on December 3 and 4.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian
Publication: ABC
Author:Elizabeth Byrne
Date: 4 November 2013