Couple holds Australia's first gay union

25 Nov 2009, 6:24 pm   -   Source: AFP/SBS
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The ACT has voted in favour of civil unions twice before - but the laws have been quickly overturned (AAP)

The ACT has voted in favour of civil unions twice before - but the laws have been quickly overturned (AAP)

Two "delighted" men have become Australia's first same-sex couple to hold a legally recognised civil partnership ceremony under new ACT laws.

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Two "delighted" men have become Australia's first same-sex couple to hold a legally recognised civil partnership ceremony, under new laws which look set to be quickly overturned.

Warren McGaw and Chris Rumble said they were honoured to celebrate their union in the Rose Garden of Old Parliament House in Canberra, 20 years after beginning their relationship.

"We thought we'd take this opportunity not only for gay couples Australia wide... but just for human rights," McGaw said.

"I think the majority of Australians are behind us."

Previous laws overturned

The federal government, however, is seeking legal advice on whether to quash the laws, passed this month in the Australian Capital Territory parliament, allowing same-sex couples a legally recognised union.

"The reality is there are a number of people in the community who feel strongly about this issue both ways," said Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

McClelland, of the ruling centre-left Labor party, overturned a similar bid in February 2008 on the grounds it broke national laws on marriage, which is defined as between a man and woman.

It was the second time the national government had overturned gay marriage legislation in the ACT, after an earlier attempt was halted in 2006.

"I would like to resolve the matter with the minimum amount of angst, a minimum amount of trauma, and the minimum amount of time," said McClelland.

Union to stand if law overturned

McGaw and Rumble said they would be "devastated" if the law was thrown out, despite assurances that any unions already celebrated would stand.

"We'll be really disappointed and devastated if (the legislation) does get overturned," said McGaw.

"But we took the opportunity today to have the legal ceremony as the law stands today.

"We couldn't be happier, couldn't be more delighted."

Australia's gay marriage ban was upheld in August, but the government has also passed legislation to remove same-sex discrimination from almost 100 national laws including areas such as tax and employment.


 

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Your Comments

My rights

Mike - from NSW, 3 years ago

As a member of the New Order of Pastafarians, I believe our creator, the FSM, demands all homosexuals become married - it has been personally revealed to me. Therefore, the government is infringing my rights to religion. See how easy it is?

marriage equality

Sid - from QLD, 3 years ago

Its a joke for people of this nation debating this and a supposedly forward government is insisting on one man's fierce christian beliefs on a nation that is a mix of every religion and supposedly 'secular'. It is a shame that these people actually feel THREATENED by allowing same sex unions. It is also a shame that such issues have no place in the media and this debate is just going to the dumps.

Individuals right

Matt - from Vic, 3 years ago

Why is this even an issue. If two people in love want to get married, then so be it. If people are offended based on religious views that marriage should be between a man and a woman, then that's their view, but the should be reminded that Australia is a SECULAR nation. Kevin Rudd would also be well advised to remember this and stop his backdoor dealing with the Australian Christian Lobby. I am tired of wowzerism in this country.

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