WEDDING BELLES

US Ambassador Marries Same-Sex Partner, Raises Hope For Australian Marriage Equality

651110-8613ce84-02f9-11e3-872f-828001474a74Australian same-sex couples may not have the right to marry, but that hasn’t stopped US ambassador to Australia John Berry from marrying his partner of 17 years. The 54-year-old tied the knot with his longtime beau, Curtis Yee, on Saturday at a private ceremony in Washington, D.C.

After being appointed in June of this year, Berry became the first openly gay ambassador of a G20 nation, and the fourth openly gay ambassador in history.

Berry’s marriage has been met with high praise from Australians who hope his new position and orientation will shed light on marriage inequality in the country. Unfortunately, Berry and Yee’s marriage will not be recognized by the Australian government when they move later this year. “It will be a source of deep embarrassment for many Australians that our law fails to respect the marriage of the chief representative of our closest friend and ally,” said  Australian Marriage Equality national convener Rodney Croome.

Berry’s appointment came on the heels of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s promise to introduce same-sex marriage as a conscience vote if re-elected, saying “I support marriage equality, I believe this is a mark of decency to same-sex couples across the country and for that to be formalized.”

Below, John Berry’s 2010 contribution to the It Gets Better campaign.

[Photo via Courier Mail]

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated