Same-sex couple make history

Same-sex couple Gloria Jacob and Nicola White made history under a setting sun last Friday by officially declaring their love for each other in front of family and friends.

As they became the first pair to scroll their signatures into the Town of Port Hedland’s relationship declaration register under the officiating eye of Mayor Kelly Howlett, marriage equality supporters hope the day marks a new dawn for equal rights.

Hedland’s council earlier this year became just the second in the State and first in regional WA to recognise same-sex unions.

Choked with emotion, Ms Jacob thanked those gathered.

“The ceremony is special because it is not available anywhere else in regional Australia, ” she said.

“It is overwhelming … being able to openly declare love and commitment to each other in a semi-legal way … among friends (and) family.”

The pair’s relationship declaration comes almost two months after the Town’s councillors voted in favour of officially recognising same-sex unions through the declaration register.

The declaration does not have the power to change the legal status of a person, but will provide couples with evidence of their relationship in some legal proceedings, such as wills and medical treatment decisions.

Yet Ms White said the day was more special for its emotion.

“People talk about the financial stuff ... but this … is about (the) emotional and recognition, ” she said.

“Emotion is the right word, ” Ms Jacob agreed.

“The fact you’ve got friends and family gathered — in a normal marriage that is available and taken for granted … (so) it is (very) special today.”

Long-time friend Natasha Wuruki described the ceremony in the Civic Centre building and subsequent gathering on the foreshore lawns as “beautiful”.

“We wouldn’t have missed it, ” she said.

“It was lovely to see two people that we hold dearly be able to show their commitment and love for one another, ” she said.

“People in same sex relationships should have the same rights as everyone else — that’s it, full stop.”

The declaration marked the beginning of a busy week for Ms Jacob and Ms White.

The following day, they jetted to Bali where they marked their seven-year anniversary together and attended a friend’s wedding.

Ms White also celebrates her birthday today. Despite the rush, the pair had a clear idea of how they would celebrate.

“We (will be) chilling, getting lots of massages, being pampered, sharing time together, long beach walks (and) cocktail sunsets, ” she said.