Topp hits back over gay union

Lynda Topp and Donna Luxton, here with Jools Topp (right), tied the knot under heavy security (below) in Staveley. Photo / NZ Herald

Entertainer Lynda Topp has married her partner Donna Luxton at their home in Staveley, in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

And yes, Topp is adamant "marriage" is the correct word to describe their union.

In a fiery statement issued this week, Topp blasted an anti-gay marriage group for trying to hijack her ceremony.

Family First leader Bob McCoskrie tried to use Topp's ceremony to make a point for his cause. In his blog on March 1, with links to Protect Marriage NZ, McCoskrie congratulated Topp and Luxton for choosing a civil union. He said by doing so they showed there was no need to legalise gay marriage.

Topp, one half of country music duo the Topp Twins, retorted: "WRONG. We do not believe in civil union. It is discrimination, My partner and I are getting married, so there. PS, would appreciate it if this website did not use our good name to promote ... anti-marriage views for the gay and lesbian community."

McCoskrie removed his comments and thanked Topp for "clarifying".

Yesterday's ceremony at Topp Lodge was a community affair with Staveley locals protecting the couple's privacy while welcoming a large contingent of wedding guests.

A woman's magazine had arranged to cover the event and there was a heavy security presence in the small town. A "traffic management plan" meant a road was closed and uninvited guests were prevented from straying into the wedding zone.

A grey day wasn't enough to dampen the excitement in the town where a white marquee stood covered in bunting beside Staveley Hall. The town cafe, The Staveley Store, had a sign advising visitors it would close at 4pm for the function.

Topp and Luxton met in 2005 at the Methven A & P show. Her son, Cameron Luxton, is also a country musician and has supported the twins on tour.

A parliamentary select committee has recommended a bill to legalise same-sex marriage be passed into law. The bill's next reading is on March 13.

Asked if he wished Topp and Luxton well, McCoskrie said: "I wish everybody well."