The first same – sex weddings have come to Australia – at least, for those able to get to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) of Canberra, where the state law took effect today. The Federal government has lodged a court appeal, claiming that the territory has acted outside of its authority with this legislation, so it’s possible that the law may be struck down when the court rules later next week. For now, gay weddings in Canberra can continue. Notably, among the celebrants officiating over the nuptials is one religious minister, Reverend Roger Munson of the Uniting Church.

Sydney Morning Herald reports on some others:

The bride wore white and so did her wife.

Corinna Peck and Stacey Cowen were among some 15 couples to tie the knot in Canberra on Saturday as Australia’s first same-sex marriage law came into play.

But while the outfits were bright and newlywed smiles beamed across the nation’s capital, a dark cloud was hanging over the future validity of the same-sex unions.

On Thursday the High Court will rule if the ACT’s Marriage Equality Act, passed in October, is at odds with Commonwealth law and therefore invalid.

The threat didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of groom Ivan Hinton who vowed to make partner Chris Teoh his “lawful wedded husband”.

“There should never be any rule in this country that disrespects the commitment that two people like us wish to express to one another,” Mr Hinton told reporters after his wedding.

Ceremonies kicked off at 12.01am (AEDT) with two couples rushing to become Australia’s first legally-recognised “husbands”.

-continue reading at SMH