The West Australian
Darren Hayes marries male partner in UK
Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Australian singer Darren Hayes has married his male partner of two years in a civil service in the United Kingdom.

In a personal message posted on his official website, the former Savage Garden frontman confirmed he had married his British partner Richard Cullen.

"I very rarely make comments about my private life," the singer said.

"On June 19th, 2006, I married my boyfriend of two years, Richard, in a civil partnership ceremony in London. I can honestly say it was the happiest day of my life."

Hayes has been based in the UK for a number of years and earlier this month returned to Australia for a one-off concert at the Sydney Opera House, where he was spotted wearing a wedding ring.

Cullen is believed to have travelled with the singer on that trip.

Hayes was previously married to university sweetheart Colby Taylor.

The couple separated in 1999 after four years of marriage and have remained close friends.

"I'm proud of who I am, and after what felt like an eternity, I'm finally in a place where my heart is secure and content," said Hayes.

"And I can finally make sense of all of the searching."

Hayes has been asked about his sexuality since splitting with his wife but has, until now, remained tight lipped.

Hayes has thanked his family, friends and fans for their support.

"To my mum, dad, sister and brother - thanks for always being so cool and loving me unconditionally," he said.

"To the people who buy my records, come to my shows and demonstrate on a daily basis their love and support for me and what I do: thank you.

"Your overwhelming message to me lately seems to be that you are just glad that I am happy. For this, I am eternally grateful."

The British government this year introduced the Civil Partnership Act, allowing same sex couples to marry in the UK.

In Australia, however, the federal government has opposed same-sex marriage and quashed ACT legislation allowing homosexuals to create civil unions.

"I feel lucky to live in an era where my relationship can be considered legally legitimate and I commend the UK government for embracing this very basic civil liberty," said Hayes.

Savage Garden broke up in 2001 after five years together.

Hayes and group co-founder Daniel Jones had two internationally successful albums - Savage Garden and Affirmation - selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Their biggest hits included Truly Madly Deeply, I Knew I Loved You, The Animal Song and I Want You.

After Savage Garden, Hayes reinvented himself, turning to less commercial solo music at the risk of alienating some of his fans.

He has since released two solo albums - Spin and The Tension and the Spark - and has almost finished a third.

It has been announced that Hayes had parted ways with his Australian label, Sony BMG.

[AAP]

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