As Australians join the movement of global 'extinction rebellion' protests, London's climate action protesters this week took a brief moment to celebrate love and hope.
Gathered on an occupied Westminster Bridge in London's CBD, environmental campaigner Tamsin Omond and their partner Melissa exchanged vows in a 'blessing' ceremony ahead of their wedding.
In a video of the ceremony shared on social media, an officiant tells the crowd: “We are here to witness, to celebrate and affirm the commitment to love made by Tamsin and Melissa at this time in their marriage."
They added: “They give themselves to one another, trusting in the love of God to sustain their own love, promising faithfulness, trust and forgiveness in their life together.”
Rupert Reed, an activist present at the quirky event said: ‘This beautiful ceremony seemed to prefigure something about the more beautiful world that XR are trying to build. ‘Thanks to Extinction Rebellion, this beautiful wedding is happening right now in the middle of Westminster Bridge. So happy to witness my friend and longtime comrade Tamsin Omond marrying in this unique way’.
The couple were cheered by the crowd as they exchanged their vows and kissed in the ceremony. Source: AFP
Rupert Reed, a protester present at the event, described it as a "beautiful ceremony".
"This beautiful ceremony seemed to prefigure something about the more beautiful world that XR (Extinction Rebellion) are trying to build," he wrote on social media, according to Metro.
"Thanks to Extinction Rebellion, this beautiful wedding is happening right now in the middle of Westminster Bridge. So happy to witness my friend and longtime comrade Tamsin Omond marrying in this unique way."
The protest group reportedly confirmed the ceremony on Twitter, writing: “Extinction Rebellion has its first marriage. In love, and in rage, they stand on Westminster Bridge to be married.
“We rebel for their future. They rebel for yours. We all encourage each other."
According to reports from the Guardian, 280 Extinction Rebellion protesters have already been arrested in London during a planned fortnight of demonstrations demanding urgent government action on the climate crisis.
On Monday, former Greens senator Scott Ludlam was one of 38 people arrested in Australia as part of national protests which blocked roads to draw attention to climate change.
