Australian Marriage Equality has welcomed the support of well known Australians, Hugh Jackman, David Stratton, and Oscar winner Lizzy Gardiner. The three respected Australians have signed on to a marriage equality declaration that states:
“Marriage should be about love and respect, not discrimination. Australia is at its best when we value equality over prejudice and fear. That’s why we support marriage equality for same-sex couples. Marriage equality will help remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children. It will also benefit marriage by allowing it to embrace more loving committed couples who uphold its values. It’s time for Australia to join the other nations that have benefitted from this important reform.”
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich has welcomed their support.
“Hugh, David, and Lizzy are all happily married straight supporters of equality. They know how important marriage is to a couple and their families, and like most Australians they don’t feel same-sex couples should be denied the meaning and benefits of marriage”.
They join a diverse list of prominent supporters of the reform that include two former NSW Premiers (Nick Greiner and Kristina Keneally) as well as Derryn Hinch and Wallaby’s Captain David Pocock. Mr Greenwich said their support highlights how mainstream this issue has become.
“The message for Tony Abbott and the Coalition is that marriage equality is not a left-wing or Greens’ issue, but one that’s embraced by mainstream Australia”.
The support of other well known Australian celebrities and artists will be announced at next Wednesday’s Equality Dinner by Film Director and Screenwriter Stephan Elliott (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, A Few Best Men).
Mr Elliott has put the call out to Australian celebrities asking them for their support. He joined the campaign for marriage equality because he felt it is time the government reflected the strong and growing support for marriage equality.
“Australians are more accepting of same-sex couples than ever, it is time our laws reflected this, and this year our politicians will have the opportunity to make a positive change for good by supporting marriage equality”, Mr Elliott said.
Other speakers at the dinner will include Professor Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps, Mia Freedman, and Rodney Croome. The Event will be MC’ed by Geoff Field and Jason Kerr and will be held at the Award Winning Quay Restaurant
David Stratton is one of Australia’s most respected film critics and co-host of At the Movies on ABC TV. Lizzy Gardiner is a Hollywood-based Australian fashion designer who has won accolades for her costume design for films such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mission Impossible II.
Further information on the Equality Dinner can be found here.
The Marriage Equality Declaration can be viewed here.
Further reporting can be found here and here.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.