“I thought to myself, is that all we can do?”
Abbey and Mitchell Johnston got married in a beautiful ceremony in Coffs Harbour, Australia, earlier this year.
Thomas Stewart Photography / Via Supplied
However, the pair were determined to show their support for marriage equality, which is not yet legal in Australia.
The Johnstons were particularly concerned as celebrants are legally required to clarify the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman at every ceremony.
"Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life," or words to that effect, must be stated.
So Abbey, Mitchell and their guests covered their ears as the words were uttered, in a silent protest against the law preventing same-sex couples around Australia from getting married.
Thomas Stewart Photography / Via Supplied
The gesture was well-received by all 17 guests at the intimate ceremony on the north coast of New South Wales.
"Absolutely everyone was supportive," Abbey told BuzzFeed News. "My 6-year-old niece and 4-year-old nephew were also very excited to be involved. Everyone was laughing and smiling."
Despite the symbolic gesture, celebrant Alison Bartlett fulfilled her legal requirements as the words were said and people could still hear them.
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