Attorney-General, Simon Corbell announced The ACT Labor Government will this week introduce the Marriage Equality Bill 2013 into the Legislative Assembly to allow same-sex couples to marry.
“The Marriage Equality Bill will establish a Territory based scheme which allows same sex couples to solemnise a same sex marriage before an authorised celebrant,” Mr. Corbell said.
Mr. Corbell explained that the Bill only applies to people who cannot marry under the Commonwealth Marriage Act. The Bill is therefore capable of operating concurrently with the Commonwealth law, as provided for in Section 28 of the Australian Capital Territory (Self Government) Act 1988. Corbell added that the Bill does not propose a residency requirement.
“Because of the stalemate on the issue in the Federal Parliament, it now falls to the states and territories to assess their commitment to provide fair and equal recognition to people in committed relationships and to act accordingly.” Mr. Corbell commented.