Praise for David Foster's support for marriage equality

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 9.9.11

Tasmanian gay activists have praised Tasmania's world champion axeman, David Foster, for supporting the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Mr Foster has told the Launceston Examiner his opinion on the issue shifted after his daughter, who is raising a child with her same-sex partner, came out to him four years ago.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said Foster's support is a reminder the issue is about love and family, not politics.

"David Foster's support for allowing same-sex couples to marry is a reminder that this issue is not about political, religious or moral disputes, but about the things we all value like love, commitment and family", Mr Croome said.

"Same-sex couples want to marry for all the same reasons as other couples, including to provide a more secure and stable environment for our children."

Mr Croome said Mr Foster's change of heart on marriage equality is indicative of how much Tasmania has changed since it was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997.

"Tasmania was the first state with a civil union scheme, the first to recognise overseas same-sex marriages, and polls now show support for marriage equality is higher in Tasmania than elsewhere."

"Given the relatively high level of support for marriage equality in Tasmania, David Foster' support for the issue means he is continuing his role as an ambassador for the state."

Mr Croome will speak at a marriage equality forum in Hobart next Tuesday alongside Mr Foster and other equality supporters including former Liberal Party advisor and Mercury columnist, Greg Barnes.

For the front page Examiner report go to:
http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/general/why-foster-backs-gay-marriage/2286030.aspx

For details of the forum go to:
http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/tasmanians4equality/

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.