Icelandic band Sigur Ros have revealed the special promotional t-shirt they’ll be selling on their upcoming Australian tour to aid marriage equality.

The band were inspired to create the new design after Perth based religious leader Margaret Court made a series of controversial comments about marriage equality and transgender children.

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The comments lead to a call for the former tennis star turned religious preacher’s name to be removed off Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne. The stadium is one of the venues Sigur Ros will play during their tour.

The t-shirt was designed by London based artist Andrew Rae and features both a male and female couple depicted on a coat of arms, along with wedding wings, gum nuts, mushrooms and Eucalyptus leaves.

“As long as some people still think they have the right to decide who other people fall in love with, then there’s still work to be done,” Rae said.

The band said they knew that Reverend Court’s sentiments were out of step with the majority of Australians but they wanted to take the opportunity while playing at the venue bearing her name to add their voices for the many calling for marriage equality in Australia.

“We know Margaret Court’s opinions are not shared by the majority of Australians,” Sigur Rós said in a statement. “We want to add our voice to the call of marriage equality in Australia—right here on Margaret Court arena itself. Australia should be a country that celebrates positivity and inclusion, as well as achievement on the sporting field.”

The band’s lead singer Jón Þór ‘Jónsi’ Birgisson is gay. Alongside his work with Sigur Ros, Jónsi has also released solo material and work with his partner under the name Jónsi and Alex.

Last month Aussie rockers Grinspoon changed the name of the arena to ‘Marriage Equality Arena’ on their tour t-shirts to voice support for same-sex marriage.

Sigur Ros play Sydney’s Horton Pavillion on July 25th and Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on July 27th. 

OIP Staff