A manly couple from Australia got married last week after a legal diplomatic loophole. The couple got married at the British consulate and is legally married in Britain but their union remains unrecognized by the Australian government.
As reported by Pink News, James Hanley and Dan Waknin dated for two years and a half before they finally vowed to be together for the rest of their lives through marriage last week Friday. Although same sex marriage is still not recognized in Australia, the union was made possible because of Hanley's dual citizenship as Australian and British citizen.
Hanley and Waknin's married in the British consulate in Sydney and paid $600 for the ceremony. Their wedding was attended by their close friends and family. According to The Courier Mail, Hanley and Waknin could be the first gay couple to get married in Sydney after they checked on several venues for their reception and be told that they have never hosted a gay wedding party.
The couple eventually settled in the Shelly Boathouse for their reception while their photos and wedding night were spent at the Quarantine Station. "We are lucky that James has a British passport. We want other people to have the same right as us to marry the loves of their lives", Waknin said.
"It's 2016. I can't believe it's still so hotly debated in politics. We just need to legalise gay marriage and move on to bigger issues, he said". As reported by Mail Online, it was Waknin who stumbled on the law first.
The couple then expressed their intent to get married and was then given 90 days to prepare for their wedding. Hanley and Waknin got married on the 90th day surrounded by 20 people comprised of their families and closest friends.
Hanley said that he wish for the Australian government to pass necessary laws to give legality to their marriage as well. The couple stated that they are want to have children and are considering adoption although it might take time as adoption in Australia, regardless of gender, is a difficult process.
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