Australian gay couple first to marry under new Scottish laws

Australian gay couple first to marry under new Scottish laws

A MELBOURNE gay couple became the first Australians to be recognised under Scotland’s new marriage equality laws last week.

Australian Peter Gloster and husband Douglas Pretsell, who is a Scottish resident, commemorated their partnership at Melbourne’s UK Consulate.

The couple exchanged vows at 11.01am Melbourne time, one minute after Scotland’s new marriage laws came into effect at 12.01am their time.

Under the new law, trans* people are also able to legally legitimise their gender identity without the affirmation of their spouse.

“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,” 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.”

While the newly-married couple felt upset by the reality of Australia’s current position on marriage equality, Pretsell expressed hope.

“Here’s hoping that Australia takes note and brings in equal marriage soon,” he said.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome congratulated the couple.

“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,” he 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.

“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.”

(Main image credit: Same Love Photography)

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5 responses to “Australian gay couple first to marry under new Scottish laws”

  1. Come on Australia, time to move out of grannies shoe closet and totally move forward (like the rest of the western world) and just allow marriage equality please – for my boyfriends sake!

  2. Congradulations to the happy couple in Scotland.

    Western Nations of Germany, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Gibraltar, Gunsersey and Australia still ban gay marriage for some stupid religious reason.

    Both Finland and Ireland will have marriage equality because of citizens action and not political action – sometime in 2016/17!