A Tasmanian couple who shot to fame when they married in New Zealand earlier this month say they are thrilled to be married but sad their union isn’t recognised in Australia, and have urged Tony Abbott to act on marriage equality in the wake of the Irish referendum.
Lee Bransden and Sandra Yates couldn’t wait to marry in Australia because Lee is terminally ill, so, with the help of a crowd sourcing campaign organised by Australian Marriage Equality, they married in Rotorua on May 16th.
Lee said she is thrilled to be married, “but I feel sad to be back in our own country and not be recognised as a married couple. It takes the glitz off going to New Zealand.”
“The pressure is on for Tony Abbott I hope that this the Irish result will bring the topic up again,” Sandra told the Burnie Advocate.
Lee added that marriage equality will bring benefits to Tasmania because of couples seeking to marry there.
“It would bring people; and it would show off Tasmania,” she said.
Sandra and Lee’s marriage received coverage around the world including on popular websites like the BBC, the Huffington Post, Buzzfeed and the Women’s Weekly.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The global spotlight on Lee and Sandra’s marriage has reinforced how isolated Australia has become, as well as highlighting how urgent it is that Australia move forward.”
Lee and Sandra thanked all those people who had made their dream of legally marrying a reality.
Sandra said,
“Thank you AME for setting up Go Fund Me and all the generous donations to allow us to be married in New Zealand which was the highlight of our lives and having the opportunity in meeting the fantastic New Zealanders that embraced us in their generosity and love. I wish the Australian Government could take one page out of their book to get over the line with same-sex marriage and make it happen soon for all.”
Lee said,
“I am thrilled to be married cause I am a half-boss now and she listens to me more…I am happy to be home on our home patch. New Zealand reminds me very much of Tassie with pristine waterways and smog-free skies but I feel sad to be back in our own country and not be recognised as a married couple. It takes the glitz off going to New Zealand.”
Lee and Sandra’s home town of Devonport will show its support for them this Friday night (May 29th) at 7.30pm at a special fundraiser called,” By Your Side”, at the Devonport Function Centre, 17 Devonport Road.
For a news report from the Burnie Advocate, click here.
For the Go Fund Me crowd sourcing campaign click here.
For more information contact Sandra Yates on 0477 322 902 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 26 May 2015