Australian Capital Territory (ACT) legalizes gay union ceremonies

For the first time in Australia, gay couples living in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), will be able to hold legally recognized civil union ceremonies under legislation that was approved Wednesday by the country's lawmakers. Although the law could still be struck down by Australia's attorney-general, who overturned two similar measures in the past few years on the grounds they broke national marriage laws, ACT chief minister, Jon Stanhope, was hopeful the legislation would stand. The ACT is home to Australia's capital city of Canberra and has a population of approximately 335,000. Since 2008, gay couples living in the ACT have been allowed to register their partnerships, but until now, have not been permitted to hold ceremonies for the event.

One more step uphill for civil equality in Australia. While Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been a strong gay marriage opponent, a poll conducted in summer 2009 found that 60 percent of Australians supported same-sex couples’ right to marry.