DESPINA Amerikanos wanted her proposal to the love of her life to be, in her words, bigger than Ben Hur — not just an expression of her feelings, but a declaration that her marriage matters.
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So the Launceston woman booked a helicopter and enlisted her parents in keeping the proposal secret as she plotted for months on how best to impress the woman she loved.
Ms Amerikanos said she was so nervous pulling out the engagement ring that she snapped the box in opening it.
You might have guessed Ms Cashion answered yes. The pair will travel to New Zealand late next year to tie the knot.
At home, where their marriage won’t be legally recognised, the pair will hold a civil ceremony.
Tasmania is one of five states that recognise civil unions.
Civil unions do not provide the legal equity that comes with marriage, and marriage equality advocates argue that the difference reinforces discrimination.
The Launceston couple said it was important to them that they married.
‘‘It’s difficult to see people who can go and get married for the fun of it in Vegas or get married and five months later decide that’s not what they wanted,’’ Ms Cashion said.
‘‘We’re not the ones ruining the sanctity of marriage – it’s the people taking it for granted.
‘‘When I look at getting married, I wish I didn’t have to explain it’s a gay wedding, I’m marrying my best friend.’’
Ms Cashion admitted to feeling apprehensive before meeting with event planners at their chosen venue, Josef Chromy. Thankfully, the anxiety was unfounded.
‘‘And I shouldn’t be apprehensive – it’s my wedding,’’ she said.
The venue’s booked, but there’s still plenty to think about, and Ms Amerikanos and Ms Cashion will plan the big day together — except Ms Amerikanos’s bucks night, which only carries the condition that no one loses any hair.
The majority of their families are behind the union and the pair struggle to understand opposition to their relationship.
‘‘Everyone’s scared. People are gay whether same-sex marriage gets approved or not,’’ Ms Cashion said.
‘‘I didn’t change from the day before I came out to the day after, but I’ve never been happier.’’
‘‘It’s not contagious,’’ Ms Amerikanos said.
Both women agree that the legalisation of same-sex marriage is inevitable, and the statistics complement their view.
A Crosby Textor poll commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality last year found that 72 per cent of Australians supported legalising same-sex marriage.
‘‘But we don’t wait to wait — we could be waiting two years, we could be waiting 20,’’ Ms Cashion said.
‘‘And when it eventually comes in we can give them the certificate,’’ Ms Amerikanos said.
Launceston residents will come together tomorrow at Civic Square to draw a chalk rainbow as a symbol of inclusiveness. The event will happen between 5 and 7pm.