A marriage rite

A marriage rite

Among the confusion over what might happen to the Australian Capital Territory’s civil union scheme last week, one couple ignored the political tug-of-war and ‘tied the knot’ in the rose gardens of Old Parliament House.

Warren McGaw, 41, and Chris Rumble, 38, made headlines by holding the first legally binding ceremony in the ACT, with civil celebrant Judy Aulich presiding.

“It feels fantastic,” McGaw told Southern Star last week.

“I absolutely feel complete now after being with Chris for 20 years. This is just the icing on the cake for me. We have equality now. We’re still fighting for our rights slowly but surely, but we feel it’s a really strong step in the right direction.”

McGaw, a fitness instructor, said he hopes other gay and lesbian couples will be able follow their lead.

“We were lucky were were in discussions with Judy about a ceremony for the end of the year, and we filled out the paperwork and we were first cab off the rank,” McGaw said.

“We thought what an opportunity for the gay community and lesbian community to stand up for a simple human right and respect and equality.”

McGaw said he felt his union with Rumble, despite any changes to the law, will remain.

“At this stage our legally binding same-sex civil union will stand as is, under the law, written on that day. We don’t think they can overturn it.”

The pair is planning another ‘big day’ in December with family and friends and will then honeymoon in Paris staying in a hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

“We don’t do things by halves,” McGaw laughed.

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2 responses to “A marriage rite”

  1. I fully congradulate both Warren and Chris [what a lovely couple]!!!, well done 20 years of being in a same sex de facto relationship – WOW thats better than me!!!!

    It just asstounds me that all the time, money, energy and resources that goes into banning marriage for gay people should be put to good use in your own very pathetic own marriage and not into banning gay marriages – so take that Mr Rudd the Dudd!!!!

    On the other hand If I was ever at Kevin Rudds wedding I would say this (after the priest says: “speak now or forever hold your peace”):

    “Kevin Rudd should not be allowed to marry because he is a bigoted homophobic scum bag objecting to gay marriages and I say to him I hope you and your wife marriage does not last very long since he is way too focused on banning gay marriage – than paying attention to his on pathetic marriage with that stupid slut Taresa”.

    I rest my case and justified my point in question.