By Margaret Maccoll
The introduction of the same-sex marriage bill, when it eventuates, is expected to lead to a spike in weddings followed by an overall increase in wedding business of about 10 per cent in Noosa.
Noosa Wedding Organisation spokeswoman Patricia Quinn said the organisation had long been in favour of marriage equality and were delighted with the outcome of the survey announced last week.
As Noosa is already a popular wedding destination and venues booked ahead, business may flow on to the normally quieter winter months.
Considering legal requirements, same sex marriages were not expected locally until mid-February or March, she said.
Sarah-Lee Arnold and Michelle Duggan have been engaged for eight months, but have no plans to rush down the aisle after last week’s marriage equality survey returned a yes vote.
Having had their first date on 20 October 2013, they’ve set down the wedding date for 20 October 2020.
For Sarah it was the public acknowledgement and acceptance resulting from the survey response that meant so much.
“It was brilliant. It was a huge relief for a lot of people. It was lovely that everyone got the support that they deserve after having so many horrible things being bandied about,” she said.
“You know you have the backing of 60 per cent of people.
“It recognises your commitment is the same as other married couples.”
Sarah said having grown up not knowing another gay person she felt “completely not normal”.
“I lived with the fear I’d never be accepted. I wondered, will I ever be happy,” she said.
