New US Ambassador to Australia marries his male partner

HOPE OVERSEAS SAME-SEX MARRIAGES WILL SOON BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA
CALL ON SUPPORTERS TO PLEDGE TO VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

America’s new ambassador to Australia, John Berry, has married his husband, Curtis Yee, in a moving ceremony in Washington DC, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009 (statement from Ambassador Berry and photo (above) from the wedding are included below).

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, congratulated the newly-weds and said the failure of Australian law to recognise the happy couple will be a source of embarrassment for many Australians.

“It’s a happy time when any couple marries and I congratulate John Berry and Curtis Lee on their special day and wish them well for their married life together.”

“Sadly, they join hundreds of other same-sex couples whose overseas same-sex marriages aren’t recognised under Australian law.”

“It will be a source of deep embarrassment for many Australians that our law fails to respect the marriage of the chief representative of our closest friend and ally, the United State.”

Mr Croome said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s commitment to introduce marriage equality in his first 100 days gives him hope reform will happen soon and Ambassador Berry’s marriage will be recognised.

“Kevin Rudd’s commitment is a reminder not just that marriage equality is important, but that it is urgent. This increases pressure on Tony Abbott to commit to a conscience vote so marriage equality can finally be passed.”

Mr Croome said Australians have an opportunity to help achieve marriage equality when they vote on September 7th.

“This election provides voters with the opportunity to vote for love, by electing candidates who support marriage equality”

Australian Marriage Equality is calling for marriage equality supporters to pledge to vote for love, and will soon launch a major website informing voters where their candidates stand on the issue.

To pledge to vote for marriage equality go to: www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/pledge

A statement from Ambassador Berry and his husband Curtis Yee and photos from the wedding are included below.

Statement from John Berry and Curtis Yee:

“John Berry and Curtis Yee, partners of 17 years, were formally married on Saturday August 10, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington DC. Music was provided by Dr. Theodore Guerrant and soloist, Christian Hoff. The wedding was attended by family and close friends, including the Secretary Of the Department of Interior, who then celebrated after the service at the home of Mr. Yee and Mr. Berry.”

For a news report of Ambassador Berry’s wedding go to:
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/us-ambassador-to-australia-marries-in-private-samesex-ceremony/story-fnet09p2-1226695651201
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome