Mazel tov—as I’m sure they say in Reykjavik—to the Prime Minister of Iceland, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, who married Jónína Leósdóttir last week, making her the first head of state in a same-sex marriage. The couple had been in a registered partnership for 8 years, but applied to have their legal status converted to “married” when a new law legalizing gay marriage went into effect on Sunday, June 27.
The Washington Post used the occasion of Sigurðardóttir’s “milestone” marriage to run an interesting—although not deeply researched or particularly surprising—story about public acceptance of gay politicians around the world. (For example: Scandinavia—cool with it. East Africa—not cool with it.)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Regina Buenaobra. Regina Buenaobra said: RT @TPoHarpyness Iceland's Lady Prime Minister Marries a Lady @ http://bit.ly/ceoIi5 [...]
This is awesome! But what-no pictures? Did either of the spouses-to-be ask her father to walk her up the aisle?
I don’t have any objection to that practice, really, especially under the circumstances. It’s pretty old school, and I prefer the practice of both parents accompanying the bride, but if the relevant parties want to do it that way, whatever.
Congratulations to the happy couple!! And let’s remember – that’s the whole point. Happiness for a committed, devoted couple. Period. Speaking as an out bi woman, I want to stress also the incremental improvement in a feeling of personal safety, emotional and otherwise, that this milestone brings to me. No I’m not naive enough to believe that I’m safe in this World – as a woman, or as an LGBT person. But every time there is a significant move forward for us LGBTs such as this particular milestone, that means that more & more people will see WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS DESERVING THE SAME RIGHTS FOR LEGALLY-RECOGNIZED, LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AT THE SAME LEVEL OF LEGALITY AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE AS OTHER HUMAN BEINGS.
Kudos to you, Becky, for posting this heart warming news. In a world where there is so much bad news, selfishness, inhumanity greed, corruption and hate, it is incredibly refreshing to read about love prevailing and open minded acceptance. My views of Iceland and of Scandinavia just moved up a notch. Bravo!