Wedding vows

Two Fort Macleod women celebrate same-sex marriage law

Frank McTighe
Macleod Gazette Editor
Two Fort Macleod women will formalize their five-year relationship Saturday,
Oct. 15 when they are married by a United Church minister from Lethbridge.
Getting married was something Georgie Buzunis, 51, and 49-year-old Kelley
Murphy didn't anticipate they would be able to do when they met in 2000.
"We never had a thought at that time that it would ever be legal," Murphy
said Friday.
That changed earlier this year when Bill C38 -- the same-sex marriage
legislation -- was passed in the Canadian House of Commons.
It was a decision welcomed by the two Fort Macleod women, who just two
months later set about planning their wedding.
"I think it's a good thing," said Buzunis, who was born and raised in Fort
Macleod. "I think it's a forward thing."
Added Murphy, who comes from the United States, "I think Canada absolutely
rocks. I'm very proud to be here."
The two women met on-line June 9, 2000, in an MSN chat room. Buzunis had
been through two failed marriages with men, and Murphy's partner of close to
21 years had just died. They logged more than 1,000 hours in on-line
conversation before Murphy convinced Buzunis to fly to Ohio.
"She knew right away," Buzunis said. "She said, 'I'm the girl for you.' I
said, 'Time will tell'."
Murphy's prediction proved accurate. On Oct. 15, 2000, an ordained minister
conducted a wedding ceremony for the two women on a scenic hillside.
Buzunis and Murphy felt that even though their marriage wasn't legal in
2000, the ceremony was an important symbolic step.
"Committed is committed," Buzunis said.
The two women decided to live in Canada, so Buzunis could be close to her
children and other relatives.
After initially being turned back at the U.S. border Murphy eventually
landed as an immigrant on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, being
recognized as Buzunis' common-law spouse on her immigration papers.
After living briefly in Lethbridge, they rented a house in Fort Macleod in
May of 2001, and then bought their present home two years later.
"I've always felt that I got a good reception, at least to my face," Buzunis
said of her return to her home town. "I've had a few people make comments
they don't believe in my lifestyle."
The two women are employed at the Fort Macleod Community Health Centre,
Murphy as a licensed practical nurse and Buzunis as a custodian.
Murphy agreed the Fort Macleod community has been welcoming and accepting.
"I've never felt snubbed," she said. "I think we're just normal people, and
we blend."
The two women are aware their decision to get married Oct. 15 will not be a
popular one with some Fort Macleod residents.
"I know we're not going to have 100 per cent support," Murphy said. "I know
that."
The two women understand the Liberal government's decision to use the word
"marriage" rather than a term such as "union" is a sore point with some
people.
"I know there are people adamant about it being a union and not a marriage.
That wasn't our choice," Murphy said. "We're grateful to see it coming
about, no matter what they want to call it."
"I think that if we'd have got to choose we might have called it something
other than a marriage."
The two are planning a very casual ceremony and anticipate about 100 friends
and family members attending.
"We want to make sure everybody who wants to be there is, and not to offend
anybody," Murphy said. "We're not out to offend anybody. We're just out to
live our lives like everybody else."
Buzunis will have her best friend as well as her daughter Serena stand up
with them.
They found a minister in Lethbridge who is willing to conduct the ceremony,
and are now writing their vows.
"Our friends are all excited to come and have a party with us," Buzunis
said.
For the two women, getting married has a lot to do with legally solidifying
their relationship, ensuring the rights of both are protected by law should
something ever happen to one of them.
"It's legal for us to marry," Murphy said simply. "I'm proud to be able to
marry Georgie. I love her."