According to the BBC, Australia's High Court ruled unanimously today to overturn a law passed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) that allowed same-sex marriage in the ACT. At least 27 couples have wed in the ACT--which includes Canberra, the nation's capital--since the law came in effect last weekend. These unions have been declared invalid.
The national government challenged the bill passed by the ACT Parliament back in October, saying that it was inconsistent with federal laws. Back in 2004, marriage was defined federally as a union between one man and one woman. Some states in Australia do allow civil unions.
The High Court released a statement saying, "Whether same sex marriage should be provided for by law is a matter for the federal Parliament."
Yesterday, India's High Court came to a similar ruling about same-sex marriage. India's High Court upheld a law criminalizing homosexuality. One of the court's chief justices said, "It is up to Parliament to legislate on this issue."
