Couples marrying: AME is aware of at least 20 couples marrying over the weekend, including at least two at 12.01am. Details of couples prepared to have media at their weddings are available.
Special events: Telstra Tower will be lit in sequential rainbow colours from midnight tonight.
Interview opportunities: there will be a media conference with couples and advocates at 1.45pm, Old Parliament House Senate court yard.
High Court update: the Court’s decision on the ACT Marriage Equality Act will be handed down at 12.15pm on Thursday December 12th.
Further details: for interviews about the marriages contact AME deputy director, Ivan Hinton, on 0419 124 826. For interviews about the broader implications of the marriages and about the High Court case contact AME national director, Rodney Croome, on 0409 010 668.
The Canberra community is showing its support for those couples set to become the first in Australia to legally marry from tomorrow.
AME deputy director, Ivan Hinton, who will marry his fiance, Chris Teoh tomorrow, said, “I’m overwhelmed with stories of businesses offering couples venues for free, friends stepping in to help with wedding arrangements and neighbours offering to do whatever they can.” “It’s heartwarming to see the Canberra community taking pride in this historic moment and getting behind the couples who intent to marry.”
Mr Hinton said the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain will black out at 11.59pm this evening and then turn back on at 12am lit in sequential rainbow colours to mark the first same-sex weddings which take place at 12.01am.
Media outlets will be broadcasting live from weddings across Canberra throughout the day. Video pooling arrangements for the midnight weddings and other weddings during the day are available. Contact Mr Hinton.
Mr Hinton’s wedding will be at 1pm at the Senate Court Yard of Old Parliament House. Mr Hinton and Mr Teoh, plus other couples who have married, plus advocates for marriage equality, will gather after his wedding to speak to the media at 1.45pm in Old Parliament House Senate courtyard.
Mr Hinton is available for comment on the marriages. AME National Director, Rodney Croome, will also be in Canberra tomorrow and is available for comment, including on the broader implications of the marriages and the High Court case.
Mr Hinton will out of contact from 10am to 1.45pm. In that time all inquiries should be directed to Mr Croome. For more information: Ivan Hinton: 0419 124 826 Rodney Croome: 0409 010 668
Author: Rodney Croome Ivan Hinton
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 December 2013