The Australian Capital Territory has become the first state or territory in Australia to approve marriage for same sex couples.

The legislation was passed this morning 9 votes to 8, with the territory’s Labor government gaining the support of The Green’s MLA Shane Rattenbury.

The legislation’s success though will be put to the test though, the federal government has vowed to take it to the High Court declaring it unconstitutional.

The ACT’s Chief Minister Katy Gallagher spoke to the assembly saying that the new law provided equality for gay and lesbian people.

“There is no longer any excuse, if there ever was, to discriminate against same-sex couples in our community,” Gallagher said.

“They are our children, our parents, our brothers, our sisters, our leaders, our business people, our mentors and our colleagues.

“More than anything, they are our equals. The Marriage Equality Act puts this fundamental principle and human right into law.”

Prior to passing the legislation amendments were made which removed references to transgender and intersex people. The adjustments were announced yesterday to strengthen the legislation ahead of the High Court challenge but transgender and intersex advocacy groups have been criticised the move.

The passing of the legislation was welcomed by Australian Marriage Equality, Deputy Director Ivan Hinton who praised it has a win for Australian families.

“Today’s vote in the ACT is a day many Australians have waited for. Historically, the ACT has said loving and committed same-sex couples deserve and will now have the right to get married,” said Hinton.

“This law with strengthen same-sex couples and their families, and will be welcomed by all Australians who support fairness and family.”

“We understand the ACT government will continue to take action to strengthen the legislation, which will be welcomed by the many couples across the ACT and Australia who will soon get married in under the Territory law.”

“Today’s vote sends a strong message to the federal government and state governments that loving and committed same-sex couples want to get married and want to uphold it’s values and responsibilities”

OIP Staff