Sigur Rós Make Call For Aus Marriage Equality Ahead Of Margaret Court Arena Gig
"Australia should be a country that celebrates positivity and inclusion, as well as achievement on the sporting field."
Icelandic outfit Sigur Rós have made their stance on same-sex marriage known this morning in a lengthy statement, ahead of their upcoming Splendour In The Grass visit and headline show at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena.
Making reference to Iceland's progressive views on same-sex marriage, with partnerships being recognised since 1996, the band state, "Iceland is a country where same sex partnerships have been recognised since 1996, and where same sex couples have enjoyed the same adoption rights as straight couples since 2006.
"Same sex marriages were unanimously approved in our parliament in 2010 (our then prime minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, was the world’s first openly gay PM, and one of the very first Icelanders to be married under this legislation). 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.
"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 celebrates positivity and inclusion, as well as achievement on the sporting field."
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The band have called for their 27 July gig to be the venue's "most inclusive night ever", with a special t-shirt created in support of same-sex marriage. Proceeds will go towards the Australian Marriage Equality organisation.
Court's homophobic comments have been up for much debate since they were reported a few weeks ago, with Grinspoon, Ryan Adams and more all addressing the comments.
Tina Arena also exclusively told The Music that if the Arena was to be renamed, it should be named after tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Other artists with upcoming gigs at Margaret Court Arena who have been approached by The Music have so far declined to comment.
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