Oz Civil Unions Hit Snag Over Ceremonies

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/02/020708oz.htm

Legislation that would allow same-sex couples in the Australian Capital Territory to enter into civil unions has drawn the ire of the federal government over plans to allow the couples to hold public ceremonies marking the events.

The territorial government announced plans in November to reintroduce civil union legislation that twice before had been blocked by the former federal Liberal government.

At the time the new Labor government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said it was not opposed in principle to the bill. But now the plan to allow ceremonies could change that.

We think a civil unions register along the lines of Tasmania is appropriate," Attorney-General Robert McClelland told The Australian newspaper.

[xchrom]

1. if it isn't one thing it's another -- well we'd let you marry -- but

want to hold the ceremony in the park -- and damn it! -- think of the children!

[Djinn]

2. This isn't something I say often

but those of us arguing for an equalisation of laws should keep our powder and our pants dry for a bit. So far Rudd's government has made a few very important changes but they've done it quietly and without fanfare in order not to stoke up the flames of ignorance that regularly billow from the offices of newscorp.

A big noise right now will bring the numpties out of the woodwork and force the govt back against the wall, if they don't move on this very quickly after the new Senate sits THEN we should make noise, right now it'd be counterproductive.

[nealmhughes]

3. The poor horses! The poor frightened horses!

Meanwhile, one assumes that the ACT equivalent of J. Howard and Anna Nicole can have all the vulgary public displays of matrimony they desire.