Australia refuses to acknowledge British couple’s marriage after tragic honeymoon death
The Australian government has refused to recognise the husband of a British man who died while on honeymoon, sparking calls for the British government to for the United Kingdom to now intervene.
David Bulmer-Rizzi, 32, passed away suddenly on Saturday 12 January while on honeymoon in South Australia with husband Marco, after falling down a flight of stairs and cracking his head, Buzzfeed reports.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics to treat the man over the course of an hour, Bulmer-Rizzi died at the scene.
Because the Australian government does not recognise same-sex marriages, either domestic or foreign, the martial status on David’s death certificate reads that he was “never married” – something his family has denounced as “degrading”.
Grieving husband Marco Bulmer-Rizzi has now called on the British government to intervene, saying in the eyes of Australia’s government, he is “nothing”.
Marco’s father-in-law, Nigel Bulmer, who under Australia law is considered to be the legal next of kin, told Buzzfeed the lack of legal recognition for David and Marco’s marriage demeaned his son’s memory and “denies their relationship”.
“It’s cast them as second-class citizens,” he said.
“No one should ever have to go through what we’ve gone through. We’re at the bottom and somebody has dug a deeper pit.”
Following outrage from marriage equality advocates, politicians and the general public, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill told the ABC he would personally apologise to David’s family.
“It is another example of how senseless discrimination of sexual orientation can cause pain and hurt,” he said.
South Australian Senator Penny Wong has also called on Federal Parliament to legislate for marriage equality in light of the horrendous circumstances.
“This case is a tragic example of how Australia’s marriage laws discriminate against gays and lesbians, causing needless pain, suffering and heartache,” she said.
“It shows why Federal Parliament needs to legislate for marriage equality and bring Australia into line with countries like the United Kingdom.
“Our sympathies go out to Mr Bulmer-Rizzi at this difficult time.”
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