A law in Canberra , Australia , allowing same - sex marriage is declared invalid . But their move has succeeded in fostering renewed debate on the issue in Australia . A court says a federal act , which does n't permit same - sex marriage , takes precedence . Activists say the decision is ` ` devastating '' for the people who got married . They plan to lobby the Australian parliament to change federal legislation .
A law in Canberra , Australia , allowing same - sex marriage is declared invalid . A court says a federal act , which does n't permit same - sex marriage , takes precedence . Activists say the decision is ` ` devastating '' for the people who got married . They plan to lobby the Australian parliament to change federal legislation .