Teen To Wed Schoolgirl In Pagan Ceremony

It seems that in Australia, a teenage bride and groom intend on hand-fasting. Both sets of parents seem to be in support of this, and the bride's mother would officiate. To the young couple, I say congratulations. I wish you the best. Your picture on the article is absolutely adorable.What strikes me about this story though, is that unlike America, again we find that freedom of religion is not a guarantee. This is not to say that our country is perfect, or immune to bigotry. I think anyone actually living in America knows better than that. Still, as a gay man, I am not used to seeing anyone striving to not acknowledge a heterosexual couple's marriage due to religious background. One of the main party leaders though, Reverend Fred Nile of the Christian Democrat Party, does just that. Not only does he assert that pains must be taken to ensure that handfastings not be considered "genuine weddings," he also points out that his party will attempt to stop Pagan weddings, and "Wicca activities." What about worship? Is casting a circle a "Wicca activity?" Is divination? Is prayer? How dare you! Rev. Nile, I urge you to not only show tolerance, but perhaps keep your nose deeply buried in your own affairs.Southern StarFull article