The passed the legalising bill 8–7, with seven members being joined by the ' Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), . It was opposed by six  members. Two of the Assembly's seventeen members, one Liberal and one Labor, were absent. This avenue for disallowing ACT legislation was closed in 2011, when Greens Senator  initiated a reform bill taking away the Governor General's ability to disallow territory bills. At present, Tony Abbott does not command a majority in the Senate, so a High Court challenge is an easier option than legislation. The  , Section 51(xxi), gives the Commonwealth government — federal government — power to make laws with respect to marriage. The Howard government amended the Commonwealth in 2004 to exclude gay marriages.
The passed the legalising bill 8–7, with seven members being joined by the ' Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), . It was opposed by six Liberal Party of Australia members. Two of the Assembly's seventeen members, one Liberal and one Labor, were absent. This avenue for disallowing ACT legislation was closed in 2011, when Greens Senator Bob Brown initiated a reform bill taking away the Governor General's ability to disallow territory bills. At present, Tony Abbott does not command a majority in the Senate, so a High Court challenge is an easier option than legislation. The Constitution of Australia , Section 51(xxi), gives the Commonwealth government — federal government — power to make laws with respect to marriage. The Howard government amended the Commonwealth in 2004 to exclude gay marriages.
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Liberal Party of Australia
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Bob Brown
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Constitution of Australia