Footy throws weight behind equality

AUSTRALIA’S three major football codes will unite tomorrow to run full-page advertisements in support of marriage equality.

In Tasmania, the local AFL and Football Federation bodies have joined the chorus supporting the call.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome said regardless of code, football was about fundamental Australian values such as equal opportunity, respect and a fair go — and so was marriage equality.

“Just as the AFL, NRL and Football Federation Australia are working together to achieve marriage equality, we hope our federal politicians will work together to deliver marriage equality this year,” Mr Croome said in a statement.

“From small businesses to local councils, churches and now major sporting codes, Australians from all walks of life are sending a clear message that they value fairness and equality and want this re- flected in a law allowing samesex couples to marry.”

The advertisement will feature rugby league great Paul Langmack saying: “On and off the field we support and stand by our mates.

“These sporting codes unanimously stand for fairness, believing all Australians should be treated fairly and equally in the eyes of the law,” he said.

Football Federation Tasmania CEO Mike Palmer said: “Football is for all, the world game embraces everybody.

“We support the endeavours of FFA,” Mr Palmer said.

AFL Tasmania CEO Scott Wade said: “We fully endorse the move.

“We are very proud that our game is fundamentally about that it doesn’t matter who you are, that everybody is equal.

“In the AFL we are a diverse group of people.”

The advertisements will appear in The Weekend Austra

lian.