MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia's first gay marriage lasted just 48 days and ended in heartbreak with the death of a terminally ill woman, Queensland state parliament heard on Wednesday after the family gave permission for details to be released. The couple had avoided a 30-day waiting period and were granted exceptional circumstances to become Australia's first married same sex couple following the passage of the marriage equality laws on Dec. 9. The wedding had remained private until it was revealed with the family's permission in parliament on Wednesday. "Jo’s mum Sandra believes the marriage renewed Jo's spirit, keeping her alive long enough to have one last Christmas with her family." The couple were one of 159 same sex couples who have been married in Queensland since the marriage equality laws were passed, according to the state government in a statement.

Source: The Star March 07, 2018 07:30 UTC