Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós have announced their support of marriage equality ahead of a scheduled appearance at the Margaret Court Arena next month.
The band have responded to comments from the arena’s namesake against equal marriage rights and the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia, celebrating their own nation’s progress in a public statement.
“Our next Melbourne show is set to take place on July 27th at Margaret Court Arena. Our fans and friends have made us aware of recent comments by Margaret Court regarding her opposition to QANTAS’s support of same sex marriage in Australia, and her wider views on race and sexuality,” the band wrote.
The band noted Iceland’s recognition of marriage equality since 1996, equal adoption rights in 2006 and the world’s first openly gay leader – Iceland’s Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir.
“We are also happy to say that since 2008, the Church of Iceland, and all other religions, were officially granted permission to bless same sex unions,” they continued.
“We know Margaret Court’s opinions are not shared by the majority of Australians. We want to add our voice to the call for marriage equality in Australia – right here on Margaret Court Arena itself. Australia should be a country that celebrated positivity and inclusion, as well as achievement on the sporting field.”
The band have commissioned a special shirt for their Melbourne, Sydney and Splendour In The Grass shows, the proceeds of which will be donated to Australian Marriage Equality.
Executive Director of The Equality Campaign Tiernan Brady has welcomed the gesture.
“The Equality Campaign is incredibly grateful for the band’s support,” Brady said.
“Their respectful words are based on their own first hand experiences of how positive marriage equality is for society.”
“It’s time for our Parliament to respect the majority of Australians by legislating for marriage equality.”
Sigur Rós will appear at the Margaret Court Arena on July 27th.
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