Australia’s High Court overturned legislation which allowed same-sex ‘marriages’ to take place in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The regional ACT parliament passed legislation in October which made it legal for same-sex couples to marry in the territory. But the national government challenged the legislation because it contravened federal law. The Marriage Act 2004 states that marriage can only be recognised between a man and a woman. The High Court overturned the ACT legislation, saying the issue is a matter for parliament to decide.