Priscilla star joins marriage fight

Same-sex marriage supporters have raised thousands of dollars for the marriage equality campaign.

Supporters gathered at Sydney’s Quay restaurant at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks tonight for a sold-out $300 a head dinner to raise money for Australian Marriage Equality’s campaigns in 2012.

The support of one of the stars of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Guy Pearce, was also announced on the same day – only the latest in a line of high profile Australians to endorse the campaign.

“Over the past decade we have seen an exponential growth in the support and acceptance of the gay and lesbian community in Australia,” Pearce wrote.

“This is reflective of our history of overcoming past prejudices and embracing equality. It’s now time for marriage equality. It makes me sad and frustrated that we see marriage as the right of some and not others.

“Nothing will happen to the strength or sanctity of our own marriages if we let same-sex couples marry — it will only enhance who we are as people to know we’re not being so discriminatory. I fully support and encourage marriage equality for same-sex couples.”

Pearce joins high-profile Australians including David Stratton, actor Hugh Jackman and Oscar-winning costume designer Lizzie Gardiner in going public with their support.

Signed merchandise from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Olivia Newton-John, MasterChef’s Julie Goodwin, and a poster for the movie A Single Man signed by actor Matthew Goode were also auctioned at the dinner. Kylie Minogue donated a signed microphone.

Other items included a double pass to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s New Years Eve fireworks party, a limited edition Jeffery Smart print, lunch with PFLAG Australia national president Shelley Argent at Potts Point’s Café DOV and prize packs from Vodaphone and Nova FM.

The Greens have announced they will call a new Senate inquiry into the legalisation of same-sex marriage

They hope the inquiry will help educate undecided MPs about the issues at stake and critically examine opponents’ arguments.

“Sending it to an inquiry will let MPs raise questions and suggest amendments because we know there are still Members of Parliament who have yet to make up their minds,” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.