First gay marriages take place in Australia

SYDNEY: Australia´s first gay weddings took place Saturday, ushering in a new era after the country´s marriage equality law came into effect this month.

The historic reforms were given royal assent on December 8, the final step in a process that began with a national postal vote in September. There was supposed to be a 30-day waiting period after couples registered to marry, with the first weddings expected on January 9. But some sought an exemption due to their circumstances, and the first ceremonies went ahead on Saturday, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. “Australia´s first legal same-sex marriage has just taken place. Congratulations Amy and Lauren,” Equal Marriage Rights Australia announced on its Facebook page. Fairfax Media said Lauren Price, 31, and Amy Laker, 29, solemnised their vows in Sydney, while Melbourne couple Amy and Elise McDonald — who coincidentally have the same surname — tied the knot two hours later.