Hugh Jackman has pledged his support for Australian marriage equality, agreeing that "marriage should be about love and respect, not discrimination". The actor has put his name to a statement saying, "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." Film critic David Stratton and Oscar-winning fashion designer Lizzy Gardiner have also signed the declaration. Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich has welcomed their support. "Hugh, David, and Lizzie 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 as well as New Zealand-born broadcaster Derryn Hinch and Wallabies flanker David Pocock. 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".
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 17th January 2012 - 11:56am