The Marriage Act 1961 (Australia) was amended in 2004 to include a more precise definition of marriage; “Marriage, means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.” Just so there’s no confusion, right? Not only is this offensive in that it expressly limits legal marriage to heterosexual unions, to add insult to injury, in non-religious ceremonies performed in Australia the celebrant must by law reiterate these words. In religious ceremonies, there’s no specific requirement to say anything.
That’s why I loved Jacquie and Max’s approach last Sunday. Rather than skimming over these words, the wonderful celebrant prefaced them with words to the effect of “according to an amendment to the marriage act, I am required to say certain statements, however Jacquie and Max would like it known that they believe marriage is between two people who love each other” I thought this was a great way around the problem! Congratulations to a beautiful couple.
…and thanks Jacquie for wearing The Red Carpet Project xx