Australia celebrates first same-sex marriages ahead of court challenge
By REUTERS
CANBERRA - Australia celebrated its first same-sex marriages on Saturday under the threat of a court challenge that could render the unions invalid within days.Shortly after midnight (1300 GMT Friday), gay couples began tying the knot under a recently passed law legalizing same-sex unions in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which surrounds and includes the capital Canberra.The first ceremonies were celebrated a minute after the territory's Marriage Equality Act came into force."This is an important day for same-sex couples and our families, but also for the nation, because today Australia is a fairer and more equal country that values love more highly," said Australian Marriage Equality director Rodney Croome.
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