EXTRACT FROM ‘HERALD EXPRESS’Gay marriageMajor shift in social mores |
BY GINNY WARE 11:00 – 02 January 2006
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Watching Francis and Peter Scott-Morgan achieving the same status, rights and legal acceptance as married heterosexual couples was a privilege. They have spent the past year planning their special day, which was originally to be a low key affair with just a handful of guests and no press coverage. For Francis, who is more reserved than Peter, the decision to go public was not an easy one. It was the death of a gay friend from Aids, which left his partner with no financial rights, that led him to take the brave decision to be loud and proud about his union with Peter. From that day, the pair embraced the chance to share with a sometimes suspicious and disapproving outside world, the end of their long struggle to be recognised as a loving couple. By welcoming the prying eyes of the press and TV cameras, they grasped homophobic prejudice by the throat and throttled it. As Peter said: “What matters is not the race, religion or the gender, what matters is the love.” The pair spoke their vows with confidence and dignity and unfalteringly acknowledged their love for all to hear. Family and friends travelled over land and overseas to support them, even though the ceremony took place at a totally uncivilised hour on school-day morning. But I’m sure the guests would say they were honoured to mirror the commitment Peter and Francis have shown each other for the past 27 years. Together, they have cherished, nurtured and respected their relationship and achieved something all couples strive for – a true and steady love and friendship that has stood the test of time. And they are right, nothing else matters. © Herald Express |