SA couple want first gay wedding

The couple say they have always faced discrimination

A lesbian couple from Soweto say they want to be among the first to marry under new legislation to allow same sex-weddings in South Africa.

"I can't wait," said Lindiwe Radebe, 25, as she and her partner Bathini Dambuza, 22, posed for photographers showing off their engagement rings.

But she said protection under the law does not necessarily mean open acceptance of their relationship.

The couple have not yet set the date but want "a big party" to celebrate.

"For some people marriage means nothing, it is just a piece of paper," said Ms Radebe, a women's rights activist, after parliament passed the Civil Union bill on Tuesday.

We have always had to fight. But people will have to get used to it Bathini Dambuza To wed or not? Gay marriage around the globe

"But we want that symbolism of having a legally binding document of our love."

The couple, who became engaged a year ago, know it will be hard to gain acceptance as a married couple in a society where traditional values still have a powerful influence.

"We have always had to fight. But people will have to get used to it," said Ms Dambuza, who works as a local tour guide.

Surprise

The controversial Civil Union bill was passed after the Constitutional Court ruled last year that the existing laws discriminated against homosexuals.

The existing Marriage Act defines a marriage as a "union between a man and a woman".

The BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg says it is rather surprising that there has not been a big public debate about the gay marriage legislation.

But he says in one sense, the vote in favour of same sex marriages was simply a case of parliament doing what had been demanded of it by the Constitutional Court.

South Africa's constitution is one of the most advanced and progressive anywhere in the world.

In an effort to reverse the wrongs of apartheid, the 1994 constitution ensures that human rights, gender equality and gay and lesbian rights are all properly protected.

An annual gay pride march is now a feature of life in South Africa's biggest city, Johannesburg.