Aussie celebrities say ‘I Do’ to gay marriage

The push for marriage equality in Australia has received a boost from Marie Claire and Channel 7’s breakfast program Sunrise who have brought together a list of high profile identities to lead the charge.

Models Megan Gale and Jennifer Hawkins are some of the celebrities behind Marie Claire’s same-sex marriage campaign which launched last week.

"Love is quite commonly referred to as being universal and having no boundaries," Gale told Marie Claire.

"With this in mind, I find it quite unbelievable that we can be living in a modern society, in a country like Australia, yet still not have the support from the Government to allow all couples the right to be legally bound."

Executive Producer Michael Pell said Sunrise’s support for equal marriage rights is a first for a television show which came with the full support of hosts David Koch and Melissa Doyle.

"For a long time now they have both been behind the whole gay marriage issue," Pell said.

"They understand everyone does not support it, but a show like Sunrise, we care. We are trying to make a difference, affect change rather than just comment on it.

"It's not an issue about sexuality, it's a human rights issue."

Exclusive I Do events will be held in Sydney and Melbourne on Thursday, June 7, where Marie Claire, Sunrise and GetUp will come together to show their support for marriage equality.

The move by these media outlets came the same week as marriage Australian Marriage Equality (AME) stated that French President Francois Hollande’s position on same-sex marriage is “set to embarrass Australia on gay marriage laws”.

“Support for reform is lower in France than it is in Australia, yet their political leaders understand the urgency and importance of equality,” AME National Convener Alex Greenwich said.

“The French government’s decision also highlights that civil unions, have not been enough for a country that, like Australia, prides itself on treating everyone equally.

“It’s is time for Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to join the majority of Australians, and their fellow world leaders by removing discrimination against loving and committed adult same-sex couples.”

Hollande’s Socialist Party is expected to receive a majority of seats in both houses of parliament which would allow quick passage of same-sex marriage laws and place France amongst other predominately Catholic nations Spain, Argentina and Portugal which all have equal marriage rights.

Back in Australia the local production of hit stage performance, 8, is set to hit the stages this weekend in Melbourne and Sydney with money raised going to the support of Australian Marriage Equality.

The performances had been timed to be presented the same week as the report from the Senate inquiry into the same-sex marriage bills was due for release. The release date of the report has been delayed and is now expected to be released on June 25.

The reporting date for the House of Representatives Inquiry remains on June 18.