top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Australian ambassador to France plans own gay marriage

The Australian ambassador to France has celebrated his country’s acceptance of same-sex marriage this week by asking his own partner to marry him.

The Australian parliament passed the law that will legalise same-sex marriage yesterday (Thursday 7), after a national consultation asking Australians to vote on their opinion, which also supported the change.

Brendan Berne, the Australian ambassador to France and based at the embassy in Paris, has taken the opportunity to celebrate the ground-breaking law by asking his partner - who is an employee at the embassy - to marry him.

The couple has been together for 11 years.

Under a video posted on his Twitter account - which is also the official Twitter account of the Australian embassy - Berne wrote in French: “As the ambassador in France, it is a big day for my country, Australia, which has approved #MarriageForAll. But also for me, on a personal level. It was time for me to ask.”

He then wrote “HE SAID YES” in English, before adding the hashtag #MarriageEquality.

The video shows Berne preparing to ask “The Question”, saying he is “ready to ask”, before going up to his partner’s desk in his office, and - after apologising for “being a little nervous” - asking Thomas the question in French.

The latter then says “yes” very simply, and the two then hug.

From this Saturday, couples of the same sex in Australia will be able to make official request for marriage, with the first weddings under the new law expected to begin in around a month.

Same-sex marriage is now recognised legally in around 30 countries worldwide, including 16 in Europe. It has marriage has been legal in France since 18 May 2013.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France