The Voice judge Ricky Martin says same sex marriage will happen in Australia.
HE’S been embraced as an adopted son by local fans of The Voice, now coach Ricky Martin has taken a step on to our political stage, claiming marriage equality legislation is “inevitable” in Australia.
The Latin superstar and human rights activist urged Federal politicians to follow the lead of the New Zealand and French parliaments which passed laws validating same sex marriage.
Martin said he was so touched by the joyous scenes which followed the changes in New Zealand, when the parliament’s public gallery and politicians burst into a rousing chorus of a Maori love song, he shared the viral video with his 8.6 million Twitter followers.
“I had to tweet about that because love prevailed. Love conquers all,” he said.
The 41-year-old father of twin sons, who went public in 2010 as “a fortunate homosexual man,” said the momentum which had seen countries including Holland, Argentina, Spain, Denmark and most recently, France endorse marriage equality would see the same changes happen in Australia.
“In 10 years from now hopefully we’ll be laughing about the fact we are talking about this. Justice for all is inevitable,” Martin told News Limited.
“We are beings of love and unfortunately because of different codes the church has given us we started saying the way you feel is not right, it makes you evil. But look what’s happening in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, France as of this week, New Zealand …c’mon (Australia).”
He said the legal recognition was “not about faith, it’s not about religion, it’s about human rights. It’s about me having the opportunity to look my sons in the eye and say ‘this is my husband and this is our family.’ It’s about self esteem, it’s about dignity, it’s about respect’,”.
While pressure mounts on Tony Abbott’s Coalition to allow a conscience vote on the issue, Martin said the will of the Australian people would eventually win out.
“Oh my god, it will happen in Australia and I don’t care where I am, I’m going to hop on a plane, go with you guys and celebrate.”
Martin is expected to return to Sydney, with his children and partner Carlos Gonzales Abella, this week, ahead of filming of the next “showdown” phase of The Voice.
Author: Holly Byrnes
Publication: News Limited Network
Publication Date: April 28 2013