Planning for their civil unions

The couple likely to be the first to celebrate a civil union are already planning their honeymoon. And the destination? Where else but "gay Paree".

With the Civil Union Act coming into effect in three weeks to grant couples an alternative to marriage, the first ceremony is likely to be between two gay Wellingtonians known as the poster boys for civil unions.

John Jolliff, 75, and Des Smith, 65, rose to prominence campaigning for the controversial law last year.

And when it comes into force on Tuesday, April 26, they plan to be waiting outside the registrar's office to apply for their licence.

All applicants will have to endure a three-day stand-down period, which means no civil unions are likely to take place before the Saturday, but Messrs Jolliff and Smith have theirs booked for the following day, Sunday, May 1, with an old friend, Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast, on celebrant duties.

Mr Jolliff said having a civil union would be the realisation of a dream. "It's a public recognition of our commitment and our love. It brings with it certain legal safeguards and disposes of any doubt about the calibre of our relationship."

Following the ceremony, the couple will lead a parade over the city-to-sea bridge towards the harbour, where they will be met by a kapa haka group and a brass band. The ceremony will include several traditional elements, with the pair planning to exchange rings.

"There may be nothing borrowed, nothing blue, but there will be a couple of old buggers and something new," laughed Mr Jolliff.

It's not only gay and lesbian couples who are planning civil unions. Christian couple Michael Perkins, 28, and Sylvia Edge, 25 - who describe themselves as "socially progressive and open-minded" - intend to get a civil union early next year.

The couple, active members of Christians For Civil Unions and the Student Christian Movement, wanted to celebrate their relationship without conforming to the "foreboding" traditions of marriage. "This is a great opportunity for people to rethink ritual and not just go by the book," said Ms Edge.

The first list of approved civil union celebrants is expected to be published next Friday.

- Herald on Sunday