Marriage Equality campaigners have welcomed the support of two more well known Australians, performer Jimmy Barnes and Emmy award winning actor Guy Pearce.
In a statement issued to support the campaign of Australian Marriage Equality, Jimmy Barnes said:
“Aussies always look back with pride when we end discrimination affecting our fellow Aussies. Supporting marriage equality is a reform that will do our country proud. It’s time Canberra caught up with the rest of the country and ended this crazy ban that stops some of the most loving and committed couples from getting hitched”.
Reflecting on how the acceptance of same-sex couples has grown since since he starred in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Guy Pearce said:
“Over the past decade we have seen an exponential growth in the support and acceptance of the gay and lesbian community in Australia. This is reflective of our history of overcoming past prejudices and embracing equality. It’s now time for marriage equality. It makes me sad and frustrated that we see marriage as the right of some and not others. Nothing will happen to the strength or sanctity of our own marriages if we let same sex couples marry, it will only enhance who we are as people to know we’re not being so discriminatory. I fully support and encourage marriage equality for same sex couples.”
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich said the support of Mr Barnes and Mr Pearce reflects the desire of the Australian community for all Australians to be treated equally.
“Jimmy Barnes and Guy Pearce are highly-repsected Australians who are in touch with our core values as a nation.”
“Jimmy Barnes performs to packed stadiums across Australia and knows that this is a reform that will make Australians like him proud.”
“Guy Pearce, like many Australians, knows that allowing same-sex couples to share in the meaning of marriage will not diminish the institution but strengthen it.”
Mr Greenwich said he will be working with both men to make submissions to the upcoming Senate inquiry into to same-sex marriage
Barnes and Pearce join a number of other highly-respected Australians who have endorsed marriage equality in recent weeks including Olivia Newton-John, Hugh Jackman, David Stratton, Margaret Pomeranz, Stephan Elliot, and Wallaby player David Pocock.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.