When model Jesinta Campbell married AFL star Lance
“Buddy” Franklin last November, the couple were adamant
about one thing: the ceremony would oppose Australia’s
stance on gay marriage. “Our celebrant took a moment to
say, ‘the constitution says that marriage is between a man
and woman in Australia – but Jesinta and Bud think that’s
bullshit’,” she recalls.
That sentiment was reinforced for Franklin, 25, when
two of her closest gay friends asked her to “officiate” their
wedding earlier this year. “It was a huge honour, but it also
brought a lot of sadness because their marriage won’t be
legally recognised,” she says. It’s an insult that follows her
internationally, explains Jesinta, who also has two aunts
who are gay. “To be honest, as an Australian who travels so
much, it makes me feel so ashamed of my country. People
are constantly saying ‘I can’t believe you don’t allow gay
marriage’ and all I can do is agree. It’s embarrassing.”38 marieclaire.com.auPHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORGES ANTONI. STYLED BY JANA POKORNY. HAIR BY DIANE GORGIEVSKI/THE ARTIST GROUP. MAKE-UP BY NONI SMITH/THE ARTIST GROUP. JESINTA WEARS ROMANCE WAS BORN ARCHIVE SKIRTREPORTAGE