{
  "id": 10083498,
  "title": "Our wedding was a political statement — and that was the whole point",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/our-wedding-was-a-political-statement-and-that-was-the-whole-point",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-27/our-2016-wedding-was-a-political-statement/107058460"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Freddy Grant and Burton Reynolds tied the knot in 2016 using a legal loophole for same-sex marriage. Reflecting on their decade-long love, Freddy, 41, shares how their wedding served as a political statement, given the heated debate surrounding marriage equality in Australia. The couple met on a beach in Darwin in 2009, when Freddy was a backpacker and Burton was working his first job out of university. Despite Freddy coming out at the time, they quickly fell in love and eventually made the decision to get married.\n\nThe couple knew their wedding would be a significant political statement, as marriage equality was still up for a public vote in Australia. To ensure their marriage was legally recognized under UK law, they had to get married in Britain, which led them to the British consulate in Melbourne. Burton's Malaysian heritage added another layer of complexity, as discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals still existed in Malaysia.\n\nTheir marriage provided a tangible understanding of their relationship for Burton's family, many of whom were not fully out to their parents. The couple wanted to enjoy the ordinary aspects of life and have the same rights as everyone else, even if it meant making a bold political statement. They faced disappointment in the voting results, with nearly 40% of Australians voting 'No' to marriage equality, including some of their family members.\n\nDuring their ceremonies, the celebrant would sometimes mention that marriage is between a man and a woman, but Freddy and Burton would add, \"We recognize all people should be able to get married.\" Despite the occasional annoyance of being seen as poster boys for the cause, they knew it was crucial to promote positive examples. Freddy admires Burton's smile, sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty, which she believes are key to maintaining a long-term relationship. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, Freddy reflects on the progress made and the importance of not taking it for granted.",
  "summary": "Freddy Grant and Burton Reynolds were married in 2016 using a legal loophole for same-sex marriage. Now celebrating their 10-year anniversary, 41-year-old Freddy reflects on their love, and the political statement of their wedding.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}