Image
Australia: Same sex marriage vote could hit a bump. Here's why:
Sydney, Sep 5 (IBNS): Come Sep 12, Australians will take part in a vote to decide whether to legalise same sex marriages or not, but that could all come to an abrupt end.
The Australian High Court, the apex court in the nation has begun hearing a petition challenging the vote on Tuesday.
If it rules in favour of the challenge, the vote will be annulled.
But the government sounds upbeat about a ruling in its favour, thus allowing it to carry on with the election.
In the next two days, starting today, two separate challenges by LGBTQ marriage advocates will be heard by the court.
The challenges were made after many LGBTQ marriage supporters expressed displeasure towards the upcoming elections and want the parliament alone to debate about the issue.
Both the petitions have placed an argument that the funding allocated for the vote is invalid as it wasn't done through a normal parliamentary process.
The government's decision to hold a non-binding postal survey has also been met with severe criticism as supporters have questioned if the body overseeing the vote, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), has the power to do so.
Australian votes are generally overseen by Australian Electoral Commission.
However, if the challenges are not accepted by the apex court, the postal vote will go on from Sep 12- Oct 27.
Results will be declared on Nov 15.
Australia recognises same-sex unions, however, as far as LGBTQ marriages are concerned, it is still illegal down under.
If it rules in favour of the challenge, the vote will be annulled.
But the government sounds upbeat about a ruling in its favour, thus allowing it to carry on with the election.
In the next two days, starting today, two separate challenges by LGBTQ marriage advocates will be heard by the court.
The challenges were made after many LGBTQ marriage supporters expressed displeasure towards the upcoming elections and want the parliament alone to debate about the issue.
Both the petitions have placed an argument that the funding allocated for the vote is invalid as it wasn't done through a normal parliamentary process.
The government's decision to hold a non-binding postal survey has also been met with severe criticism as supporters have questioned if the body overseeing the vote, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), has the power to do so.
Australian votes are generally overseen by Australian Electoral Commission.
However, if the challenges are not accepted by the apex court, the postal vote will go on from Sep 12- Oct 27.
Results will be declared on Nov 15.
Australia recognises same-sex unions, however, as far as LGBTQ marriages are concerned, it is still illegal down under.
Top Headlines
-
News
Donald Trump's latest tariff hike on Beijing brings additional rate on some Chinese goods to 145 pct: White House
April 10, 2025
-
News
Flight carrying 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana departs US, to land in Delhi tomorrow
April 09, 2025
-
News
After end of deadline, White House confirms 104 percent tariffs on China: Reports
April 08, 2025
-
News
PM Modi to inaugurate new Pamban Rail Bridge, connecting Rameswaram to mainland, today
April 06, 2025
-
News
Thousands hit streets across US to protest against Donald Trump's divisive policies
April 06, 2025
-
News
Avoid rhetoric that vitiates environment: Modi urges Yunus during Bangkok meeting
April 04, 2025
-
News
'Heard India will be dropping its tariffs substantially': Donald Trump ahead of announcing reciprocal tariff
April 01, 2025
-
News
Israel Defense Forces says senior Hezbollah official Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir eliminated
April 01, 2025
-
News
Red Cross 'outraged' by deaths of eight medics in Gaza
March 31, 2025
-
News
More than 150 killed, hundreds injured as 6 earthquakes devastate Myanmar, tremors felt in Bangkok
March 28, 2025