Canberra gay couples can register, but no ceremony

Australia's federal government has been accused of "playing to the politics of the extreme right religious lobby" after it forced the country's Capital Territory (ACT) government to water down plans to legally recognise same-sex couples.

The ACT authorities wanted to establish ceremonies at which gay and lesbian couples could formally register their relationships.

The federal Attorney General warned the ACT legislature that he would not accept "legislation that mimics marriage" and threatened to use his power to overturn any such legislation.

 Canberra gay couples can register, but no ceremony
PinkNews.co.uk, UK