how can we make a mention of same-sex couples and marriage equality in our civil ceremony?

Making mention of your own personal beliefs wth regard to marriage equality is simple to do and most celebrants will include them within a ceremony. It can be as simple as inserting a few words after the Monitum, such as:

"However, (your names) would like to express that they believe the right to get married should be determined by love, not by a person’s gender or sexual orientation, and that they look forward to the day when this is also reflected in the law."

We can get as creative as you like!

Sally Howard

Absolutely - and I am right behind you on that!  When I discuss this with brides and grooms I usually recommend including a paragraph after speaking the legal definition of marriage in Australia and say something along the lines of; 

"While we acknowledge that the previous statement is required by law, we look forward to a time when the law reflects our belief that all loving and consenting couples, regardless of their gender, should have the opportunity and choice to marry in Australia". 

Here's to hoping it won't be necessary for much longer :).

Absolutely!

I always offer a paragrath just after the Monitum, which talks about how one day we hope that all Australian couples will have a the great priviledge of standing in front of their family and friends, and declaring their love, just as the bride and groom are today!

I use the following wording (or something similar) directly after the legal requirement - while Bride and Groom and I respect the laws of Australia we look forward to the day when all loving coulpes can marry.

After reading the Monitum that is a legal requirement you can add as example the following wording

"Bride and Groom bleieve in eqaulity and hope that one day soon marraige will be defined as the union of two people"

I have had many positive responses to this and obne in particluar was with cheers and a round of applasue.

Thanks for your question.

Hi There, the only place you cannot mention is in the Monitum ( Celebrants Authority).

When i am asked to mention same sex couple , i perfer to do it after the Monitum has been said., something like this:

' I am required to say those words accrding to our current laws, however Jack and Jill would like it known that this does not reflect their personal views, and they look forward to the day when marriage is available to all couples in love, regardless of theur sexuality or gender".

Hope this helps, Kerrie Civil Celebrant

As a celebrant who believes in marriage equality, I suggest that my couples add a few words  after the "monitum" has been read which inlcudes legally required statement "marriage in Australia is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others."

Example of what can be added afterward....."While they accept the previous statement as required by law, [name and name]  would like to acknowledge that they believe any strong, loving and healthy relationship deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

Hello, I too am a big advocate of the change to include all who wish to marry, I believe that love has no gender and who are we to judge same sex relationships.

I have a couple who are marrying next year and they put a similar question to me as they have friends in a same sex relationship, I have assured them that I would at their request include a passage to welcome the day that same sex couples can finally be joined legally as one.

Hope this helps

Regards Karen

Great question!!

As a marriage celebrant, I am a passionate supporter of marriage equality. 

Many of my couples ask me to address the issue of the 'Monitum' which requires me to state that "marriage in Australia is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others."

Whilst there is no option but make this statement in order to ensure you marriage is valid, there are many ways of stating you own personal views following that wording.

I either talk to my couples about what it is that upsets them about that statement and often send them to the Australian Marriage Equality site which has some great options here: https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/werewaiting/cant-wait/

Many celebrants I know look forward to the day when marriage is available to ALL Australians. x