Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his wife Blanche d’Alpuget are backing the YES campaign for marriage equality.

The Equality campaign released a video and image of the respected politician filling out his marriage postal survey.

“Our campaign is delighted to have the support of one of the greatest Australian Prime Ministers because he is a man who has always believed in a fair go and this is simply what our campaign is about,” Alex Greenwich, Co-chair of Australian Marriage Equality, said.

“Bob Hawke is showing leadership for a fair go and like millions of Australians wants to get this done.

“Marriage equality is a straightforward question of fairness and equality. Every Australian should be treated equally under the law and that includes being able to marry the person they love.

“Every Australian should be treated with the same dignity and respect and that is why we encourage everyone to vote YES and post back their survey immediately.

“We have been so encouraged by supporters across the nation who are getting behind the campaign for equality because this vote is about whether the members of our families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and team mates will be afforded the same status and dignity as every other Australian.

“Civil marriage equality will not a change anything for the vast majority of Australians but it will make a profound difference to the lives and dignity of LGBTI Australians.

“This is and must be a unifying moment for the nation as we include all Australians in our marriage laws and send a powerful message that every Australian is equal,” Greenwich said.

The former Prime Minister has been  along standing supporter of marriage equality. Hawke, who is now 87 years old,  was Australia’s Prime Minister from 1983 until 1991.

OIP Staff