MP Stephen Dawson weds under new laws
A South Hedland-based politician made history at the weekend by becoming one half of the first couple married under new same-sex marriage laws in the Australian Capital Territory.
WA Labor Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Stephen Dawson flew to Canberra on Friday night with his partner Dennis Liddelow to hold the ceremony in front of Federal Parliament at 12.01am, as soon as the new laws took effect.
"My partner and I have been together for 10 years and had a civil union in Ireland about three years ago," he said.
"Once we heard the ACT had legislated and were going to allow for marriage, we jumped at it because the union in Ireland does not equate to a marriage in Australia."
Mr Dawson, 39, said that it was a big move to face the media frenzy at the weekend since he and his partner preferred to keep their personal lives private.
"Given my role as a politician we thought we were in a privileged position and wanted to make sure people were aware of these laws and were aware they could be overturned," he said.
The wedding could be declared null and void as soon as tomorrow when the High Court rules on whether the Territory's stance is lawful.
"I just think anybody who's in a committed, loving relationship deserves to have that recognised by the State or government and I'd encourage people not to be afraid … not to hide their relationship," Mr Dawson said.
"If there are people who want to profess their love for each other and want to get married, they should be telling politicians to legislate to ensure marriage equality exists for everyone."
Mr Dawson said it had been an uphill battle consolidating his relationship and public service roles over the years.
"It's quite challenging because I represent regional areas in WA and there are some people who have conservative views and who don't support same-sex marriage," he said.
"In terms of our personal relationship though, it's like anyone else. We have our trials and tribulations but we love each other and I think 10 and a half years shows we're in this for the long haul and we want to be treated like everyone else."
There have been several attempts to legalise same-sex marriage through both Houses of Federal Parliament but all have failed so far.
The ACT is the only Territory to have legalised same-sex marriage, while the Eastern States allow civil partnerships or relationship registers.
