Australian Capital Territory became the first region in the country to allow gay marriage.
Religious Gay Marriages Favored by Most Norwegian Bishops
The Church of Norway said that most of Norway's 12 bishops favor religious same-sex marriage but may settle for a simpler civil ceremony.
The Church of Norway said that most of Norway's 12 bishops favor religious same-sex marriage but may settle for a simpler civil ceremony.
"I am sorry that the Commonwealth threat hangs over this law, but couples who marry will do so with their eyes open to the action that the Commonwealth is taking," Gallagher said in introducing the bill.
"We understand this creates some uncertainty ahead, but that should not deter us; it does not rattle us and it doesn't change our path."
Moldova to Abandon Plans to Ban �Gay Propaganda� for Minors
With one eye on gaining entry into the European Union, the Moldavian government revealed that it will not be imposing a ban on the promotion of homosexuality to minors.
With one eye on gaining entry into the European Union, the Moldavian government revealed that it will not be imposing a ban on the promotion of homosexuality to minors.
The Marriage Equality Act means that gay couples from outside the small Australian Capital Territory, home to the city of Canberra and the national parliament, could travel there to be wed by an authorised celebrant.
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Montenegro to Host Another Gay Pride Parade in October Despite Violent Attacks
The Organizers of Gay Pride parade revealed that they will be launching another march in late October in the Montenegrin capital city of Podgorica.
The Organizers of Gay Pride parade revealed that they will be launching another march in late October in the Montenegrin capital city of Podgorica.
Brandis has vowed to challenge the move in the High Court, with the outcome potentially affecting those who used the law to wed.
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Church Exception on Gay Rights Contemplated in Brazil
The congressional commission on human rights and minorities in Brazil has approved a text that would grant the Church a legal right to reject gay marriage.
The congressional commission on human rights and minorities in Brazil has approved a text that would grant the Church a legal right to reject gay marriage.
"We are simply legislating to improve outdated, inhumane laws," she said.
Gallagher acknowledged opposition to the change, particularly from those of strong religious faith, but said the bill did not in her view challenge, diminish or undermine the religion or faith of any individual.
"If we are to be judged by a higher being on this law then let it be so," she said.
ACT opposition leader Jeremy Hanson opposed the bill which was passed with the support of Greens member Shane Rattenbury.
"We do not see the ACT Assembly as a vehicle to drive national agendas on social agendas," he said.
"We are Australia's smallest parliament in a small jurisdiction and we do not think that a majority of one person in the ACT should change the definition of marriage for a country of over 23 million people."
In April New Zealand became the first Asia-Pacific country to legalise gay marriage.
Source-AFP
