Thu 14 Aug 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Louisa Wall led the charge for same-sex marriage in New Zealand. Marriage equality champion Louisa Wall says a radio competition where two straight male friends will get married, as a joke, “is making a mockery of the institution of marriage”. The Edge describes its Love You Man as the “ultimate commitment”, saying “we know Kiwi guys love their footy, but how far could we push them?” It adds “We've done stranger weddings, naked weddings, same sex weddings but this is the first one that we know will end in divorce.” Louisa Wall says marriage is a serious thing. “It’s about love, family and commitment. And actually, anything which diminishes the status that marriage has in our society, I think is foolish, it’s disrespectful, and I don’t support it.” Wall says a gay or lesbian couple might like to be able to vie for the competition’s prize, a trip to the Rugby World Cup. “A same-sex couple, who actually do love each other and want to go and support the All Blacks … why can’t they, if they’re prepared to get married?” the former New Zealand rugby representative says. “The Edge would say they’re being edgy, but I actually think they should rethink what they’re doing.” The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery, says it’s not illegal to enter a marriage with the intention of divorcing immediately. “However participants in this competition will need to be aware there are legal implications of entering a marriage - including implications for property and next of kin rights. “It is usually necessary to appear in Court, pay a fee and meet requirements to get a divorce. I suggest people think carefully and get legal advice before getting married as part of a competition or stunt."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 14th August 2014 - 8:37am