Heidi and I decided against registering our marriage.
Our issue with marriage licensing is that you’re allowing an external body to determine if your relationship is genuine and appropriate. In Australia, that governing body has a narrow and discriminatory view of what constitutes marriage. Registering our marriage with such an organisation would cheapen it, and having to pay for the priviledge would just be a further slap in the face.
Registered marriage only has value and status because people observe it as the only “real” form of marriage. In reality, it’s no more real than a de facto relationship. De facto means “by [the]] fact” and it’s a pragmatic determination that should carry more weight than a piece of paper which may not represent the true qualities of a relationship.
We are married – as recognised by ourselves, our family, and our friends. I couldn’t imagine letting anybody else decide that for us, or challenge our commitment and status.
Note: The catalyst for writing this post was a facebook invitation from Christopher to attend a Families for Freedom Community Picnic & Support Day tomorrow (Sunday 16 August). Please consider attending if you feel that same.