There may have been a lot of rumours that Hugh Jackman is gay, which his wife recently described as ‘tragic’ (which was a bit of a stupid way to put it, but she wasn’t being wilfully homophobic), but that hasn’t stopped him supporting gay equality. The a-list star has now signed a pro-gay-marriage declaration from Australian Marriage Equality.
The declaration 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.’
Along with Jackman, film critic David Stratton and Oscar winning costume designer Lizzy Gardiner signed the declaration. Australian Marriage Equality commented, ‘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.’
The fight for marriage equality is gearing up in Australia, with the ruling Labor party recently voting to support same sex marriage at their national conference. However Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who isn’t a supporter of gay marriage, has ensured any legislation would be subject to a free vote, making it more difficult to get it into law. However many expect a big push for equality in 2012, with a possible attempt to get a marriage equality law through parliament.
Support for the cause by other prominent Australians is expected to be announced by film director Stephan Elliot (Priscilla Queen Of The Desert) at an Equality Dinner next Wednesday.
Changes for gays’ respect matter all over the world