Australia: Gay Couple First to Be Legally Recognized, But for How Long?

Warren McGaw and Chris Rumble have become the first Australian gay couple to have their civil partnership ceremony legally recognised. The pair, who have been together for nearly 20 years, held their ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Old Parliament House rose gardens in Canberra. They are the first to take advantage of new legislation passed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) earlier this month. However, the right may not last for long as prime minister Kevin Rudd has said he will overturn the law. MacGaw told ABC News: "We thought we'd take this opportunity not only for gay couples Australia-wide … but just for human rights. I think the majority of Australians are behind us." Full Story from Pink News: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/gay-couple-have-australias-first-civil-union/

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Australia.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.