Couple swept up in marriage euphoria

A Broome couple are picking out matching tuxedos and rings after celebrating the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey result with a surprise proposal.

Hayden Kuhtze had the biggest shock of his life on Friday, when partner Jack Woods popped the question at the Mangrove Hotel in the company of family and friends.

Mr Kuhtze said the proposal was “an absolute surprise”.

“He’s been trying to hide something for a while and I had no idea what it was,” he said.

“I had no idea it was coming.”

Mr Woods said it was an important time for him to get down on one knee after the result of the postal survey.

“It had been in planning for over a year and it went very well,” he said

“(The vote) was a bonus really.”

The law allowing the pair to marry is yet to be passed by Federal Parliament, after a 61.6 percent “yes” vote was announced last week, with 59.2 per cent of Durack giving the thumbs up.

The town’s gay and lesbian community celebrated the result when it was announced last Wednesday, including Broome Pride president Lucy Falcocchio, who described the result as “overwhelming”.

“I didn’t think it would get me this way, but I actually got a bit emotional,” she said.