Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster has officially tied the knot with her partner of 10 years only months after Australia passed the landmark same-sex marriage bill.
Christine, a passionate marriage equality campaigner, wed her partner Virginia Edwards at a ceremony in Sydney attended by her politician brother and his family.
Former PM Abbott – who is famously opposed to gay marriage – arrived at the touching ceremony dressed in a dapper blue suit and was pictured beaming as he congratulated his sister.
Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster (right) has officially tied the knot with her partner of 10 years only months after Australia passed the landmark same-sex marriage bill
Christine, (right) a passionate marriage equality campaigner, wed her partner Virginia Edwards (left) at a ceremony in Sydney attended by her politician brother and his family
The fierce campaigner against gay marriage said he was ‘very happy’ for the newlyweds.
‘I’m very happy for Chris and Virginia and I’m looking forward to having a new sister-in-law,’ he told reporters outside the ceremony.
It was a long time coming for the newlywed couple, who fought hard for marriage equality despite the harsh stance taken by the former PM.
The ceremony took place in a private venue overlooking Sydney Harbour and Botanical Gardens in a cocktail-party style event.
It was a long time coming for the newlywed couple, who fought hard for marriage equality despite the harsh stance taken by the former PM
The ceremony took place in a private venue overlooking Sydney Harbour and Botanical Gardens in a cocktail-party style event
The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by Christine’s brother Tony Abbott and much of his family
Christine (right) opted for a tailcoat-style suit while her partner choose to arrive in a beautiful navy gown
The pair finally tied the knot after a four-year engagement and a long battle advocating for gay marriage in Australia
The smitten couple dressed for the occasion in matching navy outfits, with Christine choosing a long tailcoat jacket while Virginia opted for a hooded gown.
However Tony Abbott’s daughter, Frances Abbott, who was also an outspoken advocate for gay marriage in Australia, was unable to attend the ceremony.
The 26-year-old lives in Melbourne with her bodybuilder fiance, Sam Loch, who was also absent from the nuptials.
Tony Abbott (pictured, a fierce campaigner against gay marriage, said he was ‘very happy’ for the newlyweds
‘I’m very happy for Chris and Virginia and I’m looking forward to having a new sister-in-law,’ he told reporters outside the ceremony
The smitten couple dressed for the occasion in matching navy outfits, with Christine (right) choosing a long tailcoat jacket while Virginia opted for a hooded gown
However Tony Abbott’s daughter, Frances Abbott, who was also an outspoken advocate for gay marriage in Australia, was unable to attend the ceremony
Newlyweds Christine and Virginia made a majestic arrival down a floral staircase and Tony and Margie posed for a family photograph on stage following the vows
The 200-strong guest-list did include most of the Abbott family, including Tony and his wife Margie, her mother Fay, sister Pip and Tony’s two other daughters Louise and Bridget.
Newlyweds Christine and Virginia made a majestic arrival down a floral staircase and Tony and Margie posed for a family photograph on stage following the vows, the ABC reports.
It was the first high-profile same-sex wedding since marriage equality law was passed in Australian Parliament on December 7 last year.
The 200-strong guest-list did include most of the Abbott family, including Tony and his wife Margie, her mother Fay, sister Pip and Tony’s two other daughters Louise and Bridget
It was the first high-profile same-sex wedding since marriage equality law was passed in Australian Parliament on December 7 last year
The beaming newlyweds are pictured at their wedding after a four-year engagement and a difficult campaign for marriage equality
Christine Forster’s extended family (pictured) attended the lavish Sydney ceremony on February 2
It is the first high-profile same-sex wedding to take place in Australia since the bill was officially passed through parliament