Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson has pledged $10,000 of his own money towards the marriage equality efforts in Australia.
Wrote Ferguson on his marriage equality organization Tie the Knot's website:
Like many marriage equality advocates we were saddened to hear that Australia's High Court recently overturned the law that legalized same sex marriage in their great country. A marriage equality bill had JUST passed the parliament in October, so our hearts went out to those people who were suddenly stripped of those rights. Couples who had wed in that short window had to face the reality that their marriages were now annulled. Having been through a similar situation with Proposition 8 here in California, we could really empathize with the frustration and sadness of those who supported and fought for marriage equality. Newlyweds ourselves, Justin and I kept thinking how devastated we would have been if suddenly we were no longer recognized as a legal couple.
Tie The Knot has always focused its efforts on marriage equality in the United States, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is a great opportunity to bring attention to the journey toward marriage equality that Australia is currently embarking on. We have great faith in their strength and perseverance…. so much so I am personally pledging $10,000 toward the marriage equality efforts in Australia.
It was announced last week that the cast and crew of Modern Family would be heading to Australia to shoot an upcoming vacation-themed episode.
