The ACT has revised civil union legislation after facing stiff opposition from the federal government. Instead of civil union ceremonies for same-sex couples, the ACT will have a relationship registry similar to those in Victoria and Tasmania with provisions for an administrative ceremony.

‘Regrettably the ACT has had to amend its legislation and provide for the recognition of same-sex relationships but without a legally recognised ceremony,’ said ACT Attorney General Simon Cordell.

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‘Civil unions had been experiencing very significant opposition from conservative right wing religious organisations, in particular the Australian Christian Lobby, but also the Liberal Party here in the ACT and indeed from both sides of the political field,’ Mr Cordell continued. ‘There has especially been opposition to a civil partnership scheme with a legal ceremony. The Territory should be allowed to legislate as it believes is appropriate for its citizens and in an area where we have clear constitutional authority to do so, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case and we simply pass legislation to the point we think we are able to.’

Gay activist Rodney Croome agreed, saying, ‘The ACT should be able to make its own decisions without the rest of the federal government imposing itself.’

Campaign for Civil Unions spokesperson Rebecca Leighton further criticized the federal government’s interference in the ACT’s civil union legislation.

‘Our government has an election mandate to introduce this bill, and it is a disgrace that our representatives can have their decisions overridden by a government which is only barely accountable to the people of the ACT,’ said Ms Leighton.