Australian lesbian couple celebrating 20 year anniversary still waiting for recognition
A lesbian couple from Australia who are celebrating their 20 years anniversary together are still waiting for their marriage to be recognised.
Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps entered a civil partnership in 1998.
Kerry, who is the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, met her partner after splitting from her husband whom she had a child with.
After meeting and entering a civil partnership, they often joked that they would become grandparents before they were legally recognised as married in their home country.
“We said we’ll be grandparents before marriage equality is accepted in Australia… and we were right,” Jackie told The Australian Women’s Weekly.
Their child, Jaime, has since gone on to have her own children.
The family has just welcomed their grandson, Billy, into their lives.
Despite the happiness the new addition has brought to the family, they are still disappointed that they aren’t yet recognised.
Gabi, the couple’s adopted daughter, explained: “Seeing my parents as they are, I wouldn’t for a second think they shouldn’t have the right to marry in this country.”
“My favourite saying is biology is overrated.”
Jackie added: “I don’t ever think biology is important. It’s more about the raising and the being there.”
Earlier this week Australia’s ruling party has voted down a Parliamentary vote on marriage equality, opting to instead hold a public vote which is not legally binding.
Today, the attempt to revive a plebiscite bill was also voted down meaning that a postal vote will go ahead.
Many fear that the campaign will be a “hate speech bonanza” because campaign laws will not apply.
It will also cost an estimated $120 million to fund the vote.
