FORMER Carlton defender Michael Jamison has hit out at his former AFL club's stance on marriage equality.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Blues released a statement on Wednesday declining to endorse the Yes Campaign on marriage equality, as Australians vote in a nation-wide postal survey on the matter.
In a short statement, the Blues declared themselves to be a "leader in engendering equality" but fell short of recommending a yes vote.
"The issue of 'same sex marriage' is essentially one of equality; and so the club encourages all of its people to have their say in this important national vote," it stated.
"As a club, we respect that this is about personal choice, and as such don't intend to campaign on the issue, but we do strongly reinforce our club's absolute commitment to equality - and a community that is free from any form of discrimination."
Jamison, who left the club at the end of last season after 150 matches, suggested it was not good enough.
The North Ballarat Roosters export and former Rebel, who signed with Ballarat Football League club East Point mid-season, has been a public advocate for the Yes Campaign with twin brother Will, who is gay.
Michael and his fiancée Georgie have made clear they would not marry until Will has the right to marry, should he choose.
The Jamison brothers grew up in Hamilton and moved to Newlyn as teenagers, completing their schooling in Ballarat.
Will is an Australian men’s netball representative.
"You can fence sit when you are debating whether to have a twilight grand final not when it comes to equality," Jamison wrote on Twitter.
He went on to further voice his dismay at the Blues’ stance.
The AFL has made clear its support for marriage equality on Wednesday, replacing the AFL logo at head office with the word "Yes".
AFL clubs Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Collingwood have also pledged support for marriage equality in the past fortnight, joining long-term campaigners Sydney and St Kilda - who pioneered the annual pride game - on the issue.
Bulldogs ruckman Jordan Roughead, from Ballarat, wore an equality badge to the AFLPA most valuable player awards in a show of support earlier this month. Teammate Marcus Bontempelli used a speech to push the “yes” campaign.