The ACT Greens will make a last- ditch attempt next month to introduce a ceremonial aspect to gay unions, after the Commonwealth thwarted the ACT Government's past three attempts.
Greens attorney-general spokesman Shane Rattenbury said yesterday his party would introduce a Bill in the Legislative Assembly next month to incorporate a ceremonial component to the territory's existing civil partnership laws.
The announcement comes after ACT Government minister Andrew Barr revealed plans to register a civil union later this year with long-time partner Anthony Toms. There have already been 71 unions registered since the laws were passed in May last year.
The Commonwealth twice under former prime minister John Howard and once under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has thrice blocked the ACT's attempts to introduce its civil union laws. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope managed to pass the legislation last year only after his Government agreed to water down the laws by removing any ceremonial aspect to the registration of a partnership.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times.
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