Gees I hope the ACT gets their Marriage Bill through...

[i-need-a-martini]

Seriously is Abbott feral or what?

So after spending 3 years telling us all the economics is in a shambles, instead of concentrating on that, he goes after issues like this - fighting the ACT over marriage equality. How much federal money is it going to cost to seek out the legality of this? It seems to me that the ACT has already gone through the legalities with a fine tooth comb so does that mean we are going to see Abbott fight the issue in the High Court? Talk about wasteful...

And the look on his face when he talked about it today was telling - does he seriously think it is a big joke?

The federal government is considering whether it should block the ACT's proposed same-sex marriage legislation.

The ACT government introduced a bill to permit same-sex marriages into the Legislative Assembly on Thursday morning. It is expected to pass the 17-member Assembly with the support of all eight Labor and the only Greens member.

Mr Abbott later said the Commonwealth had constitutional responsibility for marriage and Attorney-General George Brandis would seek advice on the ACT bill.

Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/prime-minister-tony-abbott-flags-cha...

[azureline**]

Crikey will say you are mistaken Martini, the amendment WAS made but when I said the same as you, crikey gave reasons why I was wrong.

I still maintain that is exactly what happened in 2004, ie: to exclude same sex couples from marriage.

[i-need-a-martini]

---

@azureline** wrote:

Crikey will say you are mistaken Martini, the amendment WAS made but when I said the same as you, crikey gave reasons why I was wrong.

I still maintain that is exactly what happened in 2004, ie: to exclude same sex couples from marriage.

---

Well I will be interested to hear this.

My understanding was that Howard very specifically changed the working of the Marriage Act because the way the Constitution was worded previously it didn't specifically say 'man' and 'woman'.

I recall it clearly because my husband was working for NSW Births Deaths and Marriages at the time and they were lobbying quite hard to get the states on side in order to propose a Federal Bill. They needed all the states to agree. Ironically at the time the only state that would sign was Tasmania.

When Tasmania looked to be wavering, Howard rushed through his Bill, so that the Constitution would have stronger legal footings in the High Court. 

And if I recall correctly he also changed the wording of the adoption laws to exclude same sex couple adopting at the same time.

[cherry*135]

Why do Tony Abbott (ex monk) and a Mayor (single/divorced?) & a recently retired LNP MP for the area and others want to force their  personal views on the rest of the population? I certainly hope the ACT gets their marriage bill through.

Jervis Bay may host same-sex weddings

Jervis Bay could carve out a name for itself as Australia’s best place for same-sex couples to tie the knot, if changes to the Australian Capital Territory’s marriage laws succeed.

A bill before the ACT Parliament would extend marriage to same-sex couples, and is expected to be passed into law next month.

And with Jervis Bay subject to the laws of the ACT, as well as being internationally renowned for its beauty, it could become a top destination for marriage tourism.

............But the window for same-sex weddings at Jervis Bay could be limited.

New Prime Minister Tony Abbott has signalled his intention to overturn any changes made in the ACT, as the federal Coalition opposes same-sex marriages.

But there is uncertainty about what it would take for the Commonwealth to strike it down, and the new government has requested legal advice on the matter.

Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash [recently retired MP for Gilmore] opposes changing marriage laws to include same-sex couples, but she said she would welcome anyone to come and get married in the region.

‘‘I encourage anybody to come to the area for tourism,’’ she said.

‘‘My views on the issue are well known, but if the ACT decides to do that [in Parliament], that’s for the individuals to decide.

‘‘If they want to come and enjoy [the Shoalhaven], they are welcome.’’

 http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1789252/jervis-bay-may-host-same-sex-weddings/?cs=298

[kennedia_nigricans]

i think it's a power and control thingie.

many men are into it, at the same time they feel threatened (i don't know why) so what do you do with a thing that scares (when you are the sort of man to want to control other peoples (usually the wives/girlfriends ) lifestyle) you?

you either kill it (not possible here but there are many countries where being or practising gay is illegal) or you bring it under your control, and since they like controlling others anyway it seems the thing to do doesn't it?