Last week’s decision by the US Supreme Court to legally recognise same-sex marriage has brought mixed feelings for Rutherford couple Ellen Ferguson and Rochelle Roddom.
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While they were amazed by the online celebrations that turned Facebook into a colourful affirmation of equality, the two remained frustrated that their union had not been afforded the same legitimacy under Australian law.
The hashtag #lovewins, used to catalogue the celebration on Twitter, spiked at more than 8000 tweets a day, while millions used Facebook’s Celebrate Pride tool to show their support.
Despite the positive response online, Ms Roddom said she felt politicians in Canberra had failed to keep step with most Australians.
“People have shown their support on the biggest social media platform without feeling obliged to do so,” Ms Roddom said.
“I think that shows most people [are supportive] but certain politicians aren’t listening to those who voted them in.”
Her comments come on the back of Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirming an unwavering opposition to same-sex marriage.
“But look what happens in the US is obviously a matter for the US, just as what happened in Ireland a few weeks ago was a matter for the Irish,” Mr Abbott said when questioned at a press conference on the weekend.
“As for our own country, obviously there’s a community debate going on, but I have views on this which are pretty well known and they haven’t changed.”
Ms Ferguson said the slow pace of Australian politics on the issue made the scenes of jubilation in the United States bittersweet for her.
“It made me ask myself ‘Why are we last? Why are we so far behind?’,” she said.
She said she worried about Australia’s reputation internationally.
“I worry we’ll be the last of the Western nations to [legalise it] and we’ll look foolish,” Ms Roddom said.
Ms Ferguson echoed the warnings of her partner that online activism is good for the short term but long term advocacy and pressure on politicians would be paramount in attaining marriage equality in Australia.
“Stop and think, what if I couldn’t marry my husband or wife because of their eye colour? How would you feel?” Ms Roddom said.
“We need to make people feel what we feel, only then will they see that it’s our right to happiness too.”
The Rutherford couple care for six children from Ms Ferguson’s previous marriage and say their children and the school community regards them as any other parents.
“I don’t know why [those who oppose same-sex marriage] are worried about us. We’ve got a house together, we’re coupled under Centrelink and the tax department. We’re partnered under Australian law,” Ms Ferguson said.