In joyous scenes across the motherland, the first same-sex marriages have taken place in England and Wales, as marriage equality legislation takes effect. The Same-Sex Marriage Act was passed by British parliament last July, however it wasn’t until March 13th that couples were able to register their intent to marry for the first time. And as the clock struck midnight just a few short moments ago, those couples were able to finally declare their unabiding love for other before God, government, family, friends or whoever they so chose, and have that union be officially recognised by the state.
British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed these first unions as sending a powerful message about the UK’s identity as a nation that promotes equality, compassion and care. “This weekend… we will at last have equal marriage in our country. Of course any marriage takes work, requires patience and understanding, give and take – but what it gives back in terms of love, support, stability and happiness is immeasurable. That is not something that the state should ever deny someone on the basis of their sexuality. When people’s love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change.”
The new laws have reaching effects for Australians too, as same-sex couples will be able to wed at UK consulates – provided one member of the couple has UK citizenship – after the Abbott government announced they would not oppose it.
The new laws in the UK mark not only a momentous occasion for society equality and the slowly-but-surely eradication of discrimination based on sexuality, but it also marks a beautiful day in the UK in which the sky hasn’t fallen. Much like its continual refusal to fall in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, parts of Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, sixteen states in the USA, and Uruguay.
62% of Australians support same-sex marriage, and only 33% oppose. And that’s a stat that was taken four years ago.
Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell your God. And most importantly tell your Government: There are no more excuses good enough to prevent it. We want, we need, we demand a conscience vote. Now.
Photo: AFP via Getty Images.
