Magda Szubanski: 'I support same-sex marriage rights for Australians'

Magda Szubanski has joined the gay marriage debate in Australia.

The Aussie comedian, who is best known internationally for her role in Kath and Kim, said that anybody who lives in her country should have the "same rights" whatever their sexuality may be.

Szubanski said in a press statement released on Valentine's Day (February 14): "I am 1000% in favour of gay marriage. We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store windows. And, chances are, gay people designed whatever it is you're wearing.

"All Australians, including gay Australians, should have exactly the same rights, including the right to love, marry and take care of our partners. The law means that you could be a serial killer and have killed all of your spouses and yet you would still be considered fit to marry. But if you are gay, then you are not worthy of these same rights."

Two bills were introduced to the Australian parliament yesterday, seeking to change the Marriage Act 1961 to define marriage as the union of two people regardless of their gender.

Last year, Lady GaGa begged her Australian fans to make Prime Minister Julia Gillard "hear their screams" about equality and same-sex marriage.

Singer Anthony Callea, who came out as gay in 2007, also said that he believes "the choice should be there" for same-sex couples.

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