British widower’s same-sex marriage will now be recognised; ‘Deeply shamed’ SA Premier Jay Weatherill says sorry
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has apologised to the British widower whose husband died during their honeymoon in Adelaide. Marco Bulmer-Rizzi was initially told his husband David’s death certificate would state “never married” because Australia does not recognise same-sex marriage.
Weatherill has now given his personal guarantee to Bulmer-Rizzi that David’s death certificate will be reissued and will state his correct marital status. The premier called the widower to apologise “for the way in which he was treated” and express his condolences.
He also said that legislation would be passed to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in SA.
David, 32, died after a fall while on his honeymoon with Bulmer-Rizzi, 38, in Adelaide. They married in London last year. However, Bulmer-Rizzi was told that he was not recognised as next of kin because David’s status in his death certificate stated “never married.” As a result, all funeral arrangements and decisions was made by David’s father.
When Bulmer-Rizzi told Weatherill he felt disrespected by a number of authorities, some of whom are within the government, the politician expressed his apology.
“I was obviously very ashamed that he’d had this experience in South Australia, my home state,” Weatherill told Guardian Australia.
“At the time when [Marco’s grappling with the loss of someone he loved, when they were in Australia celebrating their honeymoon – that was obviously awfully insensitive.”
Weatherill said the fact that David also donated his organs meant he had the ultimate respect for the people of South Australia. “And here we are, treating him with disrespect,” Weatherill said, adding that it was “deeply shaming” for South Australians.
British high commissioner to Australia Menna Rawlings expressed her gratitude to Weatherill for his commitment to amend the SA legislation to recognise overseas same-sex marriages.
On legalising same-sex marriage in the country, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Coalition would stick to holding a people’s vote on the matter following the next election.
