“This is about enhancing my human rights as a woman who wants to marry her partner” -Darlene Cox
Darlene Cox and her partner Liz Holcombe are making plans to be the first women to say ‘I do’ under the ACT’s new same-sex marriage laws.
From today same-sex couples can give notice of their intention to marry under the ACT Marriage Equality Same-Sex Bill passed last month.
Couples must give four weeks notice, allowing the first ceremonies to take place on December 7.
“This is something that we’ve been wanting for many, many years,” Ms Cox said.
“It’s fantastic, it feels great. We’re very fortunate in Canberra to have a progressive government that understands that you can put law in place that enhances human rights.
“That’s what marriage equality is about for me. This is about enhancing my human rights as a woman who wants to marry her partner.”
But there is no guarantee legal ceremonies will go ahead, with the High Court hearing the Commonwealth’s challenge to the ACT laws on December 3 and 4.
That is not deterring Darlene and Liz, who have been together for 15 years.
They have booked a celebrant and a venue for their wedding on December 7, and are making plans for their family to travel from interstate.
“If we are prevented from marrying, we will still have a big party that day and celebrate the fact that our Legislative Assembly has passed the bill,” Ms Cox said.
“You can’t lose heart now. We will just wait until next time.
“One thing that I’m very very sure of, is if it doesn’t happen this time, it will happen.”
Ms Cox says she is hopeful common sense prevails and the legislation is upheld in court.
“There is overwhelming support in our community for same-sex marriage,” she said.
“It’s law that actually doesn’t take away from anyone, it enhances people’s rights. I don’t understand why there would be an issue.”
Photo: Anna Brown
Author: Penny McLintock
Publication: ABC News
Date: 7 November 2013