In October, gay marriage was allowed in the Australian Capital Territory making it the first part of Australia to legalise same-sex weddings. However, the national government has now opposed the decision saying it was not consistent with federal laws.
As a result, Australia’s High Court has overturned the legislation making 27 same-sex marriages which took place while the law was still in effect, invalid.
Ivan Hinton who married his partner Chris Teoh on Saturday said: "In less than a week we've been married and we've been unmarried, at least on a legal level."
"We're still married. I've made commitments to Chris to spend the rest of my life with him."
In a statement, the High Court in Canberra said: "Whether same sex marriage should be provided for by law is a matter for the federal parliament.”
"The Marriage Act does not now provide for the formation or recognition of marriage between same-sex couples. The Marriage Act provides that a marriage can be solemnised in Australia only between a man and a woman.”
Meanwhile, some people were distressed with the news. One of them is Australian Marriage Equality National Director Rodney Croome who said: "This is devastating for those couples who married this week and for their families."
