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
Russia hits Kyiv with drones, missiles, four dead
June 06, 2025
-
News
IPL title victory stampede: RCB marketing chief Nikhil Sosale arrested
June 05, 2025
-
News
US court blocks Trumps global tariffs; dismisses 'India-Pak ceasefire' arguments
May 29, 2025
-
News
India rejects Team Trump's latest claim on tariffs' role behind ceasefire with Pakistan
May 29, 2025
-
News
We sign contracts, knowing they will never come: Air Force chief slams delay in defence deliveries
May 29, 2025
-
News
We sign contracts, knowing they will never come: Air Force chief slams delay in defence deliveries
May 29, 2025
-
News
Days not far when people of PoK will voluntarily reunite with India: Rajnath Singh
May 29, 2025
-
News
Elon Musk expresses 'disappointment' over Trump's 'big, beautiful bill', says it will 'increase budget deficit'
May 28, 2025
-
News
'We eliminated Hamas' Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar': Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
May 28, 2025
-
News
Terrorism, Pakistan and a united India: Listen to what Bharat's multiparty emissaries are messaging to the world
May 28, 2025