First Couples Wed in Australia
Some of Australia’s first same-sex marriages have taken place, following a 30day notice period after new legislation was signed into law in December.
Among the first couples to tie the knot, were Glasgow Commonwealth Games sprinter Craig Burns and his partner of three years, fellow athlete Luke Sullivan, who tied the knot just minutes into January 9 - the first day same-sex couples can legally marry without a waiver in Australia.
Mr Burns admitted he had not considered marriage until he met Mr Sullivan.
“It’s another way to show your love and appreciation of your partner in front of the people in your life,” Mr Burns said.
“Not being able to do that it kind of sucks a bit — you want to be able to show your partner you love them.” Mr Sullivan has been bombarded with messages of support on social media. “My Instagram direct messages have blown up with people I have never met I don’t know who are just sending love and congratulations, it’s really touching,” he said.
In attendance was Mr Burns’s sister, Sarah Ross.
“A few months ago we didn’t know if he’d be able to get legally married in Australia, so the fact that today he gets to have a husband is pretty incredible. “It’s something that should have happened a long time ago so for me to see it happen today is pretty important to us.” Celebrant Sarah May Alexander conducted the ceremony inside a newly built barn-inspired function centre on the estate.
“So up until a month ago I had to say some words that were very discriminatory and it broke my heart I used to have to say that marriage was between a man and a woman,” she said.