Marriage equality advocates have congratulated Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell on their decision to marry, but say the couple should be able to marry at home in Australia.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“It’s wonderful that Anthony and Tim have decided to tie the knot but frustrating that they have to travel to New Zealand to do it and that their vows won’t be recognised when they return.”

“Anthony and Tim will join many hundreds of other Australian same-sex couples who have been forced to choose between marriage and home, thanks to our outdated Marriage Act.”

234 Australian same-sex couples married in New Zealand between August 2013 and July this year. 1338 same-sex couples indicated they had married overseas on the 2011 Australian Census.

A Senate inquiry is currently considering a bill from Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, that would give overseas same-sex marriages full status as marriages in Australian law.

Currently, two states, Tasmania and Queensland, recognise overseas same-sex marriages as state civil unions, with similar legislation proposed by independent NSW MP, Alex Greenwich.

Anthony Callea is an award winning singer and his long-term partner, Tim Campbell, is a popular actor.

For more information on Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell’s marriage go to:
http://www.womansday.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-headlines/2014/8/anthony-callea-and-tim-campbell-were-getting-married!/

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 18 August 2014