Oops. Unlike much of the rest of the world, the prospects for marriage equality in Australia are about to take a nose dive.
In the United States its been a wild ride these last few months, as all heaven has broken loose in places like New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania as "activist" judges interpret the Supreme Court's DOMA decision to favor marriage equality and other states like Hawaii and Illinois contemplate legislation anew.
Not getting so much attention any more are international happenings. So here to sate your curiosity is what's happening around the globe.
In Australia, the Labor party, whose membership and MP's are now overwhelmingly in favor of same-sex marriage being legalized, is about to lose big - if all the polls are any indication - in the national election scheduled for Saturday. That means the conservative Liberals, headed by even more conservative Tony Abbott, will take power. Labor had promised another vote on marriage equality in Parliament "within 100 days" if re-elected, but all signs point to a defeat. If Abbott, who opposes marriage equality, becomes Prime Minister there is no telling when, or even if, a vote on marriage equality might be scheduled. This despite the country as a whole being overwhelmingly in favor.
With England, Wales, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and parts of the United States all with or soon to have marriage equality, Australia is going to stick out more and more like a sore bigoted thumb amongst English speaking nations - quite possibly for at least the next three years until a new election.
In Scotland, legislation to make same-sex marriage legal is now on a fast track. Today (Thursday), consideration of the bill began in committee, and some are projecting enactment and Royal Assent by March, 2014.
In Ireland, thousands marched a few weeks ago for marriage equality, polling is off the charts in support, and pressure is building for a referendum.
Taoiseach ((Prime Minister)) Enda Kenny is facing growing pressure to hold a referendum on same-sex marriage... Tánaiste ((Deputy Prime Minister)) Eamon Gilmore has already said he expects a vote on same-sex marriage to take place next year, a move he supports.
In Thailand, the
beginnings of a marriage equality movement have been noted. There are attempts to introduce legislation, although the majority of the population does not yet favor legalized same-sex marriage.
In Chile, the former President, Michelle Bachelet, who is seeking to return as President, is in favor.
Michelle Bachelet on Thursday reiterated her support for gay marriage... "I have publicly stated that I am in favor of marriage equality," said Bachelet... According to a 2012 poll, 55 percent of Chileans support marriage equality.
The election will take place on November 17th, 2013, and
Bachelet is leading in the polls.
What her victory would mean for actually getting legislation passed is not clear.
In Taiwan, a recent poll showed 53% in support of legalizing gay marriage, while only 37% were against. Legislation may be introduced later this month. There is no indication I've been able to find that it will pass in the near future, but keeping the issue in the public's eye is likely the best strategy for eventual passage.
In Brazil via Wikipedia
Same-sex marriage has been a right of all same-sex couples to access since May 14, 2013 due to a sweeping Federal Court ruling, which denies notaries of states who do not recognise same-sex marriage the right to refuse to perform same-sex marriages. The ruling is on appeal to the Supreme Court. Same-sex couples enjoy the provisions of several constitutional principles and the absence of prohibitive legislation...
... on May 14, 2013, The Justice's National Council of Brazil legalized same-sex marriage in the entire country in a 14-1 vote by issuing a ruling that orders all civil registers of the country to perform same-sex marriages and convert any existing civil unions into marriages if such a couple desires.
No information on when the appeal will be heard by the Supreme Court that I could find.