Sue Neal

Circles Celebrancy was started by Sue Neal and Glenda Haines to provide commitment ceremonies primarily for same sex couples and name giving ceremonies. With the passing of the civil union legislation in 2004 the focus was broadened to include civil unions.

Throughout her life Sue was a believer in the importance of individuals confronting policies, practices and attitudes that created inequity. She saw the actions of each of us individually as being like drops of water on stone, separately small but no less important in contributing to a collective power to change the seemingly immutable.

Over the years Sue was active in many areas relating to the rights of women and children. She was a La Leche League leader promoting breastfeeding before it was acceptable. She took on the medical profession campaigning for an investigation into the widespread use of Depo Provera. She worked in refuge supporting women and children who were victims of domestic violence and authored a book giving practical advice to parents whose children were born with cleft lip and palate.

Sue was also a passionate advocate for the right of all people, regardless of gender, to have the choice to celebrate and honour their partner in a legally recognised relationship and to have that relationship afforded the same legal status and protections enjoyed by married couples. When the Civil Union Act passed into law Sue and I had our own civil union in May 2005 shortly after our 11th anniversary.

When she was diagnosed with cancer in early 2006 Sue took the attitude that this was just one more battle to be met head-on and when she lost her hair during chemotherapy saw it as the perfect excuse to wear brightly coloured, sparkly beanies and hats. She passed away in October 2007 and her funeral celebrated and honoured a life lived with integrity, joy, and an unquenchable belief in the goodness in people.

Sue believed wholeheartedly in the fundamental importance of love in our lives and Circles Celebrancy is an on-going expression of that philosophy.