Ian Hunter, a South Australian MP, has
married his longtime partner in Spain, where Socialists legalized
such unions in 2005.
Hunter, the state social inclusion
minister, and artist Leith Semmens married on Wednesday.
Hunter said he was disappointed that
his marriage would not be recognized at home but remained optimistic
that someday it would.
“Without a doubt it's inevitable in
Australia, but you're looking at six or seven years, and me and my
partner weren't willing to wait that long,” Hunter is quoted as
saying by the AP.
The couple's wedding was officiated by
Jose Antonio Rodriguez, the mayor of the southern town of Jun. The
men sealed their vows with the local tradition of a 17-second kiss.
The move comes just months after
Australian lawmakers in the House of Representatives rejected
legislation which would have legalized marriage equality in the
island nation.
Hunter said he married for love not to
make a political statement but acknowledged his union “will of
course have some impact on a political level in Australia.”
Earlier this year, retiring
Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank married his longtime
partner.