Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the announcement of Ita Buttrose as Australian of the Year.
Buttrose, a long-time supporter of gay rights and HIV prevention, endorsed marriage equality ahead of the 2011 Labor National Conference which changed Labor policy to allow same-sex marriage (copy of her tweet below), as well as on Valentines Day 2012 in response to Magda Szubanski coming out as gay.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“Gay and lesbian Australians have an extra reason to celebrate this Australia Day thanks to the announcement of Ita Buttrose as Australian of the Year.”
“Ita’s unequivocal support for marriage equality is yet another example of how this far-sighted Australian has led where the rest of the country has followed.”
“It’s my hope the honouring of such a high-profile supporter of marriage equality will send a positive message to our national leaders about the need for reform.”
Ita Buttrose has been recognised for her contribution to Australian society as an influential magazine editor and as a champion of a range of important social issues and charities.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Tweet written by Ita Buttrose, 2.12.11:
“Gay men and women should be able to marry. So hope ALP delegates don’t wimp out on this issue. I believe in marriage equality for all”
https://mobile.twitter.com/ItaButtrose/status/142329313230995456