Rock legend calls for equality

Another of Australia’s leading entertainers has announced his support for marriage equality, with rock legend Jimmy Barnes today following on the heels of actor Guy Pearce who went public with his support this week.

“Aussies always look back with pride when we end discrimination affecting our fellow Aussies,” Barnes wrote in a statement issued to Australian Marriage Equality (AME).

“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.”

AME national convenor Alex Greenwich said the support of Barnes and Pearce reflected a desire in the community to see all Australians treated equally.

“Jimmy Barnes and Guy Pearce are highly-respected Australians who are in touch with our core values as a nation,” Greenwich said.

“Barnes performs to packed stadiums across Australia and knows that this is a reform that will make Australians like him proud.”

Greenwich said he would work with both men to make submissions to the upcoming Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage.

Barnes and Pearce join other high-profile Australians in endorsing marriage equality in recent weeks, including singer Olivia Newton-John, actor Hugh Jackman, film critics David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz, director Stephan Elliott, and the Wallabies’ David Pocock.