Tue 28 Feb 2006 In: Ask Our Expert View at Wayback View at NDHA
Julie of Christchurch writes: My partner and I have decided to have a Civil Union next Easter and have started working through details like invitations, etc. But inviting family and friends to our "Civil Union Ceremony" sounds rather cold and bureaucratic compared to "Marriage" or Wedding". Any suggestions for a more user-friendly approach? Bill Logan says: Some of the clients I conduct civil unions for make fun of the bureaucratic language, by saying they are getting unionised, or getting civilised. But there is a new word that is starting to take hold—and it seems great that we are developing our own language for our own ceremonies. So we are starting to hear about cupping. People are getting cupped. I guess cup stands for Civil Union Partner. I wonder if the use of this word will lead more couples to incorporate into their ceremony drinking together from an old-fashioned two handled loving cup. Jacquie Grant says: What's in a name? The issue is wenow have a vehicle that recognizes our unique and valid relationships, and as well offers us some legal protection. I think 'marriage' and 'wedding' sounds equally as cold and uninviting - and is certainly just as, if not more bureaucratic. It is up to you what you put on your invitations. I don't think it is mandatory to shout Civil Union in large letters. Why not head your invitations along these lines: "Julie and (name) invite you to celebrate and witness their life partnership." You could have Civil Union in small print somewhere on the invitation. GayNZ.com - 28th February 2006