“Nothing has changed about Ian Thorpe. He is still a great Olympian and a great Australian. But what needs to change is an unfair law that treats our greatest Olympic champion as a second class citizen.”
– Rodney Croome
Marriage equality advocates have praised Ian Thorpe for revealing he is gay and said while laws deny equality to gay Australians it is harder for them to come out and be happy with who they are.
Australian Marriage Equality, national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“I praise Ian Thorpe for coming out after what has clearly been a difficult struggle for him and I hope Australians appreciate the trust and confidence he has placed in us all by revealing he is gay.”
“Ian Thorpe’s revelation highlights the fact while the law continues to deny gay Australians the dignity, inclusion and equality that comes with being able to marry, it will be harder for them to come out and be comfortable with themselves.”
“Nothing has changed about Ian Thorpe. He is still a great Olympian and a great Australian. But what needs to change is an unfair law that treats our greatest Olympic champion as a second class citizen.”
“Most Australians expect the government to support fairness and equality, from our greatest Olympian down to those teenagers in suburban and small-town Australia who are still struggling with their sexuality today.”
It has been reported that in an interview by Sir Michael Parkinson, to be broadcast this evening, Ian Thorpe will come out.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 13 July 2014