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The Same-Sex Marriage Debate in Australia

2007; Routledge; Volume: 11; Issue: 1-2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/13642980601176290

1744-053X

Kristen Walker,

Reproductive Health and Technologies

Abstract This paper examines the issue of same-sex marriage in Australia, from both legal and social perspectives. First, it places the marriage debate in its Australian context, noting the ways in which same-sex relationships have been recognised in Australia other than through marriage. Second, it assesses some of the legal constraints on recognition of same-sex marriage, in particular the current statutory definition and the allocation of power over marriage to the federal Parliament in Australia's federal system. Third, it examines the social and political debate about same-sex marriage in Australia. Finally, the paper considers whether same-sex marriage in Australia is something worth fighting for.