AUSTRALIAN society has widely embraced same-sex marriage and federal parliamentarians should again push for change, popular Ballarat community leader Ron Egeberg said yesterday.
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After a career in tourism, local government, business development and with Ballarat’s Eureka Centre, Mr Egeberg yesterday announced his appointment as a civil marriage celebrant.
In the new role he will officiate at weddings, funerals and same-sex commitment ceremonies as well as serve as a Justice of the Peace.
Mr Egeberg – himself openly gay and in a committed relationship of more than 18 years – said the Ballarat community supported the introduction of same-sex marriage and new political action was required.
“I just don’t understand why it hasn’t already happened,” he said.
“I thought we were of an enlightened age, that we were a better, more informed community which was accepting of people from all walks of life and I am astounded we are still having this debate.”
He said his belief in the sanctity of marriage and the need for empathy and compassion in difficult times had lead him to consider the role.
“Making a difference is my mantra, and it will be for all that I do into the future and for people I am able to assist and support”.
In September, both houses of the Australian Parliament voted against same-sex marriage legislation despite community support for the reforms attracting two-thirds support in opinion polls.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott both voted against the legislation, although Ballarat MP Catherine King supported the reforms.
Yesterday, debate on The Courier Facebook page attracted a large response with more than 180 people liking Mr Egeberg’s announcement and more than 125 people offering their view in a comment thread.
Ballarat-based celebrant Jilly Martino said a change to the marriage act would see a competitive market for same-sex weddings.
“If the Marriage Act is changed to allow same sex marriages, it would mean a large section of the population currently denied the legal union of marriage would be able to proceed in making their commitment officially recognised,” she said.
“Views on marriage have changed a great deal over recent years and I believe we, as a community and the Australian culture in general, have become much more accepting of a range of different lifestyles and cultures.”
Ms Martino said she would consider it an honour to marry same-sex couples and that the majority of civil celebrants were in support of changes to the marriage laws in Australia.
thomas.mcilroy@fairfaxmedia.com.au
