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Ceremony brings dignity

25th Nove. 2009
I wrote this to the Age - Not published ! How could they?
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Your editorial of November 24 “Whatever the gender, all marriages should be equal” highlights the differential. It is the ceremony which expresses, reinforces and transmits the values of society. It is the ceremony, which gives dignity to the process. It is the ceremony, which gives serious words the extra power. It is the ceremony which confers the status on the couple. It is the ceremony, which records the happiness of commitment. It is the ceremony, which calls forth poetry, music, symbolism, choreography and all the riches of the culture. It is a ceremony which enshrines the event in memory, and unlocks the long-term energy which flows from the subconscious.

“Registers of Relationships” and “Civil Unions” which are not enshrined in ceremony, keep the last vestiges of discrimination against Gay and Lesbian citizens legally and socially entrenched.
Dally Messenger III

To ABC Radio National -Life Matters - the worth of the Civil Marriage Ceremony -14-5 -2010

Lionel Murphy gave a great gift to Australia when he appointed independent civil celebrants who were to encourage persons to choose their own ceremony and their own vows.
Your listeners need to be aware that marriage is legal but more importantly CULTURAL.
Ceremony has evolved for a purpose - ceremony is a means of communication - serious communication between a couple with each other, with a personal community, and with society in general. There are profound psychological changes, which to everyone involved has deep effects.
A bad ceremony means this communication is not done properly - with predictable bad effects. But a good ceremony, chosen by the couple, with the help of a professional marriage celebrant, has better long term behavioural effects.
A ceremony is also the bridge between the arts (poetry, movement, music, literature, symbolism etc) and by this means important strengthening values are expressed, transmitted and re-inforced.
In Australia, UNIQUELY, we can CHOOSE a ceremony which is authentic.
Dally Messenger
Celebrant (6000 weddings)

Re Gay and Lesbian Relationships