Wedding Guests Cover Ears To Protest 'Archaic' And 'Unjust' Gay Marriage Laws In Australia

Wedding Guests Cover Ears To Support Gay Marriage

While you might think it's rude for guests to cover their ears during a wedding ceremony, family and friends attending Abbey and Mitch Johnston's ceremony were being far from that.

In fact, they were protesting equal rights for gay couples who still can't get legally married in Australia.

The couple, who married in Coffs Harbour, Australia, requested that guests covered their ears during a certain part of the ceremony, where the officiant delivered the line: "Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."

According to the Australian Marriage Act of 1961, all ceremonies must include the line. But the couple, alongside their guests, believe this is "bull****".

Abbey wrote on Facebook: "Some of you may not know, but for a marriage to be legal in Australia your celebrant has to state that a marriage is between a 'man and a woman' only.

"Our celebrant had to say it but we certainly didn't have to listen to that absolute bull****. So we had our awesome celebrant kindly ask our guests mid ceremony to cover their ears.

"I hope one day soon this terrible, archaic, unjust law is abolished in Australia. Until then be kind, be proud and stand up for what you believe in."

The act has since been branded 'Eargate' by wedding photographer Thomas Stewart, who captured the sweet act of defiance.

Abbey added: "Mitch and I are absolutely overwhelmed with the love and support being sent our way. We had no idea our very small act of defiance would have such an amazing response."

Their story comes after the Supreme Court in the US approved gay marriage on 26 June, which President Obama described as a "victory for America".

Summer Wedding Inspiration
1. Hold a barefoot ceremony(01 of19)
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No shoes, no problem. (credit:Brandon Wong Photography)
2. Impress guests with a DIY s'mores bar (02 of19)
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Ooey-gooey goodness. (credit:JoPhoto)
3. Create a laid-back atmosphere with a gingham tablecloth (03 of19)
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Add a burlap table runner and paper bag silverware holders to create backyard BBQ vibes. (credit:Heather Kincaid)
4. Set up a relief station (04 of19)
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Help your guests beat the heat by providing summer essentials like fans, sunscreen, aloe and bug spray. (credit:Erica Camille)
5. Provide flip flops for tired feet(05 of19)
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More comfortable footwear allows for better dance moves! And you don't have to worry about ladies' high heels getting stuck in the grass. (credit:Erica Camille)
6. Host a seaside reception (06 of19)
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A summer breeze, sand between yours toes and an ocean view? It doesn't get much better than this. (credit:Zofia & Co. )
7. Give out popsicles (07 of19)
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A sweet treat for the young at heart. (credit:Scobey Photography)
8. Incorporate shells and beach glass into your escort card display(08 of19)
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Perfect for a beach-themed bash. (credit:Zofia & Co. )
9. Serve ice-cold drinks (09 of19)
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Set up big beverage dispensers and let guests refill their glasses with ease. (credit:Vesic Photography)
10. Add some fun straws and fresh-fruit garnishes(10 of19)
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Elevate your drink game. (credit:Maureen Cotton Photography)
11. Serve cocktails in coconut shells(11 of19)
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Tiki-chic! (credit:Hoffer Photography)
12. Turn a personalized lifesaver into a guest book(12 of19)
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What time is it? Maritime! (credit:Zofia & Co. )
13. Entertain guests with classic lawn games(13 of19)
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You're never too old for a bean bag toss. (credit:Studio 29 )
14. Spread the love with homemade jam wedding favors(14 of19)
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It tastes like summer in a jar. (credit:Hoffer Photography)
15. Top your cake with something bright and colorful(15 of19)
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We're partial to these lovey-dovey flamingos. (credit:Hoffer Photography)
16. Or offer a fruit tart instead of a traditional cake (16 of19)
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It's light and oh-so perfect on a warm night. (credit:Maureen Cotton Photography)
17. Hand out custom koozies with a fun message (17 of19)
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"To have and to hold and to keep your beer cold." (credit:Studio 29 )
18. Make corn-on-the-cob part of the wedding spread (18 of19)
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It's corny -- in a good way! (credit:Pepper Nix)
19. Lastly, don't forget to take some time to just be a kid(19 of19)
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Because that's what summer is all about. (credit:Flavio D Photography)