Apple adds its voice to Australia's marriage equality debate

Apple has added its logo to the Australian Marriage Equality website, joining dozens of other companies such as Microsoft and Atlassian in calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised.

"Apple believes all people should be treated equally," the company said in a statement. "That's why we think all Australians should be able to marry the person they love."

Advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality has been integral in marshalling almost 100 companies in a corporate support campaign, which has included newspaper advertisements.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The news comes as the Australian government, led by the conservative Liberal Party, is weighing up when to call a plebiscite on the issue of same-sex marriage. A non-binding nationwide yes or no vote, the plebiscite is being criticised as a wasteful exercise that could stir up hate speech against the LGBTQ community. The Labor Party has called it a "taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia."

Whatever the result of the plebiscite, members of parliament will still have to vote to change the law.

Like Apple, most major technology brands have become increasingly vocal about LGBTQ issues in Australia. Facebook, Google, Twitter and Airbnb, for example, were all major partners of the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

Brands want to be seen as supporting diversity and their employees, as well as the people who use their services. There is also a marketing benefit to being perceived as young and progressive on social issues.

"We believe that Airbnb can play an active role in changing biases and fostering understanding among people and communities around the world," an Airbnb spokesperson told Mashable Australia at the time.