TASMANIAN SPORTING ICON BACKS MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Tasmanian sporting icon, David Foster, has backed marriage equality.

The world champion axeman will be the headline speaker at a forum on the issue in Hobart on September 13th. Other speakers will include Greens Leader and State Education Minister, Nick McKim, columnist and former Liberal Party advisor, Greg Barnes, PFLAG spokesperson, Els McIntosh, transgender rights advocate, Martine Delaney, and gay rights advocate, Rodney Croome.

Mr Foster, who holds more world championships titles than any other Tasmanian and is an icon for many in the island state, said, "I support same-sex marriage because my daughter, her female partner and their child are a family just like any other family."

Mr Croome welcomed Mr Foster's support for marriage equality saying it will spark constructive debate on the issue among those who look up to Foster, including older, rural and blue collar Tasmanians.