British Marco and David Bulmer-Rizzi exchanged vows in front of family and friends on the isle of Santorini, Greece, after registering their marriage in South London in June 2015 following five years of being together. Soon after their marriage, the newlyweds visited friends in Adelaide when David fell down a flight of stairs and cracked his skull. His untimely death was a blow to widower Marco, but then the grief-stricken partner was told that the marital status on the death certificate of his deceased partner would read “never married” as Australia did not recognize same-sex marriages, including those performed overseas.

Marco took to social media to share his tragic tale. To his surprise, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill personally phoned the grieving widower to apologize. Not only did he express his regret, but he also pledged to change the law that recognizes same-sex marriages from overseas and reissue a new death certificate for the deceased that would recognize his marriage.

Before the conversation took place, Marco had also written to British Prime Minister David Cameron, the British Foreign Office and three MPs. In Australia, politicians were outraged that there could be such a gap in laws. South Australian Senator Robert Simms was appalled by the treatment of the grieving husband, whereas Labor Senator Penny Wong said that the case was proof that same-sex marriage should be legalized. All-round there was the view that Australia’s reputation as an egalitarian society has been tarnished.

The death certificate isn’t important to Marco for symbolic reasons, but also for practical ones. Being denied next-of-kin status meant that only his father-in-law could approve decisions surrounding David’s death such as whether it would have cremation or the price of the coffin. David’s father – Nigel Bulmer – had no problems concerning Marco taking charge, however the funeral planners completely overlooked this.

Recognition of same-sex marriages is something Bulmer, aged 60, also wishes, as he believes that the current situation is “degrading” for David’s memory. “It demeans my son’s memory and denies their relationship,” said Bulmer. “It’s cast them as second-class citizens. No one should ever have to go through what we’ve gone through.”