lonelywombat
December 18th, 2014, 05:17
[/attachment]http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/aussie-couple-first-to-wed-under-scotland-s-new-marriage-equality-law-15973.html
LAST UPDATED // TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2014 12:58
WRITTEN BY // Cec Busby
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A same-sex couple from Melbourne have become the first couple in the world to marry under Scotland's new marriage equality law which comes into effect today.
Douglas Pretsell, a Scottish resident from Melbourne, and his Australian husband, Peter Gloster, converted their civil partnership into a marriage in the UK consulate in Melbourne at 11.01am today, the exact moment Scotland's marriage equality law came in to effect.
Pretsell described the moment as wonderful and hailed his birthplace as one of the most progressive in the world.
[attachment=1:265vpyqs]news-douglas-pretsell_b007e04f455c53e79e284260eba2531d.jpg
Image: Peter and Doug with their marriage certificate, image supplied.
"It's wonderful to finally have our marriage confirmed, especially since the Scottish legislation is the most progressive in the world with the full inclusion of transgender and intersex partners,тАЭ Pretsell said.
"It's just so sad that as soon as we stepped out of the consulate and on to the street we ceased to be married in the country we call home," he added.
"Today, I feel immensely proud to be a Scot, and I look forward to feeling just as proud of being Australian. Here's hoping that Australia takes note and brings in equal marriage soon."
news-dougandpeter2
Image: Peter and Doug on their way to the ceremony. image supplied
[attachment=0]news-dougandpeter2.jpg[/attachment:265vpyqs]
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, congratulated Douglas and Peter on their nuptials and for being pioneers for marriage equality.
"Most Australians will find it absurd that Douglas and Peter's solemn vows under Scottish law are not recognised in the country they have chosen to call home,тАЭ Croome said.
"Australia has many historical and cultural ties with Scotland and I look forward to the time when another tie is that both countries treat all loving couples with equal dignity and respect."
In light of the Scottish legislation, Croome once again called for the PM to allow a conscience vote on the issue of marriage equality.
"I call on Tony Abbott to allow a free vote on marriage equality so Australia can rejoin the company of nations, including Scotland, that value equality for all."
CATEGORIES: National, News + Politics, Victoria
LAST UPDATED // TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2014 12:58
WRITTEN BY // Cec Busby
Tweet
A same-sex couple from Melbourne have become the first couple in the world to marry under Scotland's new marriage equality law which comes into effect today.
Douglas Pretsell, a Scottish resident from Melbourne, and his Australian husband, Peter Gloster, converted their civil partnership into a marriage in the UK consulate in Melbourne at 11.01am today, the exact moment Scotland's marriage equality law came in to effect.
Pretsell described the moment as wonderful and hailed his birthplace as one of the most progressive in the world.
[attachment=1:265vpyqs]news-douglas-pretsell_b007e04f455c53e79e284260eba2531d.jpg
Image: Peter and Doug with their marriage certificate, image supplied.
"It's wonderful to finally have our marriage confirmed, especially since the Scottish legislation is the most progressive in the world with the full inclusion of transgender and intersex partners,тАЭ Pretsell said.
"It's just so sad that as soon as we stepped out of the consulate and on to the street we ceased to be married in the country we call home," he added.
"Today, I feel immensely proud to be a Scot, and I look forward to feeling just as proud of being Australian. Here's hoping that Australia takes note and brings in equal marriage soon."
news-dougandpeter2
Image: Peter and Doug on their way to the ceremony. image supplied
[attachment=0]news-dougandpeter2.jpg[/attachment:265vpyqs]
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, congratulated Douglas and Peter on their nuptials and for being pioneers for marriage equality.
"Most Australians will find it absurd that Douglas and Peter's solemn vows under Scottish law are not recognised in the country they have chosen to call home,тАЭ Croome said.
"Australia has many historical and cultural ties with Scotland and I look forward to the time when another tie is that both countries treat all loving couples with equal dignity and respect."
In light of the Scottish legislation, Croome once again called for the PM to allow a conscience vote on the issue of marriage equality.
"I call on Tony Abbott to allow a free vote on marriage equality so Australia can rejoin the company of nations, including Scotland, that value equality for all."
CATEGORIES: National, News + Politics, Victoria