Marriage celebrants now have a special logo to display showing support for marriage equality. The logo combines instantly recognised symbols, same-sized rings, rainbow colours and an equal sign and links to a website.
It will identify celebrants who have a policy of treating the LGBTI community with dignity and respect for their rights. There has been lobbying for another category of civil marriage celebrants, exempt from discrimination legislation, for those who feel they are unable to comply with any new legislation. The logo will be widely promoted in the LGBTI community and celebrants not displaying the logo will be unlikely to be approached to conduct same sex ceremonies. This obviates the need for another category.
The logo was initiated and designed by Judy Aulich and Charles Foley who were amongst the first to register as Civil Partnership Notaries in the ACT in 2008 and later as Civil Union Celebrants in 2012. In 2013 Judy officiated at 13 of the 31 same sex marriage ceremonies that were conducted in the ACT.
The logo will be offered free of charge to all celebrants in Australia so that couples, their friends and families can choose a celebrant who will welcome their business.
This project is not a money-making venture and initial costs have been met by Charles and Judy. As costs have risen a crowd funding campaign has begun at:
Available for comment:
Judy Aulich M: 0410 413 383
Author: Judy Aulich
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 30 July 2015