Posted on 11/23/2009 9:09:47 PM PST by naturalman1975
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is set for a stoush with the ACT Government over territory laws allowing same-sex civil union ceremonies.
Mr Rudd has told caucus that although informal discussions had been held with ACT Government, no decision had been made yet about whether to veto the laws.
But ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the Federal Government had already demanded the laws be reworked, and had indicated a willingness to intervene.
Mr Stanhope met with federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday to discuss the new legislation.
"They are prepared to intervene to overturn the recent amendments to the civil union legislation in the ACT," Mr Stanhope said.
"I indicated bluntly that this was unacceptable."
Mr McClelland has requested the laws be amended to remove the reference to legal ceremonies, he said.
"We'll have to give serious consideration to it," he said.
"We're in the same position as we were a year ago.
Mr Stanhope said the Federal Government's opposition to the legislation was regrettable.
"I don't wish to verbal or embarrass the federal attorney-general, but he knows in his heart that our legislation doesn't infringe against the Marriage Act. He knows that."
The legislation introduced by the ACT Greens allows same-sex couples to create a civil union through a legally binding ceremony.
It is a step up from the ACT's previous laws, which recognised civil partnerships between gay and lesbian partners, but not the weddings.
A first attempt to introduce gay marriage laws failed after intervention by the Howard Government in 2006, while the second attempt was forcibly watered down by the Rudd Government.
The Federal Government has the power to overturn any ACT law.
Both sides of federal politics argue that marriage should remain solely between a man and a woman.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Another society on the verge of collapse. All to catering to a population that doesn’t even bother getting married when offered the chance and averages between 6 and 8 extramarital affairs per partner per year even with those who do.
Totally not worth. And a total rip-off for the society who invests tax dollars in this scheme.
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