Qantas chief urges Australia to back same-sex marriage

Canberra Aug 21 (IANS) Australian flag carrier Qantas CEO Alan Joyce on Monday urged the country to support same-sex marriage in a looming postal vote the media reported.

In May Joyce vowed to press charges against a man who struck him with a pie over his support for same-sex marriage which is not legal in Australia reports the BBC.

Joyce has also faced criticism from some politicians who say he should not take a political stance on behalf of the airline.

However he said his company "would be active out there" in campaigning.

"I believe we have to get behind it and make sure that we have a yes vote and certainly I will be out there strongly campaigning for a yes vote.

"We believe the social issues are very important (to) all of your (company) stakeholders and are very important for this country."

Australians will be asked their views on same-sex marriage through a voluntary non-binding ballot set to begin next month BBC said.

If it shows support for changing Australia s Marriage Act it is expected that a vote in parliament will follow.

Joyce was one of 20 company chief executives who signed a petition in March calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to legalise same-sex marriage.

--IANS
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