Waiting at the altar

I have been engaged to my partner for more than two years. Cold feet? Not at all, I’m simply waiting for it to be legal for us to marry in Australia.
At times I feel like this makes me an idealist. It perplexes me that we can be legally married in England, Argentina or Canada, which are all options that we have explored, but not in Australia. We both have large families who would like to be there when we tie the knot, so we wait.
This issue has been around for a long time now – it was the theme for the Mardi Gras parade lead float back in 2001. So, why has it taken so long and what can we do to fast-track the whole thing?
At times like these I start to think that we as a community have lost our edge; are distracted with in-house complaining and fighting; have forgotten that we are a community that has fought for every right we have gained. It is like the only time the issue comes up is during the Mardi Gras season.
So what about the other 48 weeks of the year? Why aren’t we protesting more? Why are we not writing to the powers that be? Why aren’t we joining organisations that are fighting for our rights? Did those who started the fight over 30 years ago get arrested so we could sit on our behinds? I hope not. Even if you yourself don’t want to get married or have children, you should stand united – yet at the moment we seem divided.
In case you have missed the last decade, legalising gay marriage would enable us to have the same rights as heterosexual couples. This means both mums or dads can have their name on a child’s birth certificate; if your partner dies you automatically inherit without a will; there are significant taxation savings; your superannuation is passed to your partner; and, you can introduce your partner as your wife or husband.
In short, we would get peace of mind.
Sure, by yesterday’s standards we have it pretty sweet today – but there are still basic rights we do not enjoy and should. Remember, if the right doesn’t exist legally, then we don’t exist legally.
Of course we can walk down Oxford St or King St hand-in-hand but, in a court of law, unless you have been living together and filed a joint tax return, you are not considered a couple to many organisations.
I don’t know about you but that just isn’t good enough for me. So get your friends together and start getting active because if we don’t fight for our rights, who will?
PS: Just wanted to wish all my readers a great Sleaze Ball. Keep your eyes out for me, say hello and feel free to talk about the column. I am keen to get your ideas for topics you think need to be covered.
As well, make sure you do your best to get into this year’s Sleaze Ball theme. It is a great opportunity to pull together a sexy costume that will guarantee you lots of attention.
And finally, and most importantly, make sure you party safely and responsibly and make sure you take care of your mates.
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