YES, the wedding industry will profit from same sex weddings to come, but Ulladulla marriage celebrant Glenn Gauld is rejoicing for a different reason.
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“My wife and I have a gay son, for us it was personal,” he said
“The first wedding I’d ever done was for our eldest daughter.
“To know one of my five children wouldn’t receive the same rights was heartbreaking.
“It’ll be great for industry, but what is a greater celebration for me is recognition in our local community, finally the stigma for same sex couples is starting to be eroded away.”
Glenn went out to celebrate in Ulladulla after the strong ‘yes’ vote was announced on Wednesday.
“Some couples said, ‘It’s great to be able to go out and hold hands, and realise that look we sometimes get is not valid,’” he said.
“Now whether they marry or not, they feel they have the right to express love equally before the public eye without feeling it is something to be shunned.”
Glenn has conducted a number of civil ceremonies for same sex couples during his two years as a celebrant.
He fears that some local businesses and organisations may refuse services to same sex couples looking to marry.
“The minority of the naysayers might turn around and say, ‘we want to be able to say no,’” he said.
“It’s a small shadow over the brightness that comes from Wednesday’s yes announcement.
“I would like legal authorities to be able to ensure same sex couples are not discriminated against.”