MELBOURNE, March 7 (Reuters) - Australia's first gaymarriage lasted just 48 days and ended in heartbreak with thedeath of a terminally ill woman, Queensland state parliamentheard on Wednesday after the family gave permission for detailsto be released.
Queensland woman Jo Grant married her partner of eightyears, Jill Kindt, on Dec. 15 in the garden of their home onAustralia's northeast Sunshine Coast, less than a week after thenation became the 26th country to recognise same sex unions.
The couple had avoided a 30-day waiting period and weregranted exceptional circumstances to become Australia's firstmarried same sex couple following the passage of the marriageequality laws on Dec. 9.
The wedding had remained private until it was revealed withthe family's permission in parliament on Wednesday.
"Jo and Jill were approved, married, and registered all inone day, after the registrar ruled exceptional circumstances,"Queensland Attorney General Yvette D'Ath told parliament.
"Jo's mum Sandra believes the marriage renewed Jo's spirit,keeping her alive long enough to have one last Christmas withher family."
Grant, who was in palliative care for a rare form of cancer,died on January 30.
The couple were one of 159 same sex couples who have beenmarried in Queensland since the marriage equality laws werepassed, according to the state government in a statement.