Ben & Jerry's Fight For Marriage Equality

Ben & Jerry's Fight For Marriage Equality

Ben & Jerry's has announced a bold new change which will affect how customers order their ice cream. From today, Ben & Jerry's has pledged to ban two of the same flavour scoops in store until marriage equality is achieved. The act represents the current stance on marriage equality in Australia - no marriage equality, no same flavour scoops.

While Australians will no longer be able to order two of the same flavoured scoops, Ben & Jerry's is making the move to encourage people to think about marriage equality and show their support.

As a further demonstration of its support for marriage equality, Ben & Jerry's has created its own postal system across its 26 stores nationwide. In an Australian-first, the in-store postal service will enable ice cream lovers and marriage equality supporters to have their say, with the Ben & Jerry's team on hand to deliver these messages directly to local MPs.

Ben & Jerry's is stepping up its long-time support in the fight for marriage equality, standing arm-in-arm with The Equality Campaign to lobby the Government for change. Ahead of the next Parliamentary sitting on June 13th, Ben & Jerry's is making it easier than ever for supporters to make a stand and have their voices heard by local MPs.

Ben & Jerry's initiative comes as politicians prepare to return to Canberra next month with the brand hoping to influence those who will be taking a seat on the parliamentary benches. Despite close to three quarters of Australians being supportive of marriage equality, the number of politicians committed to making it a reality still falls short. This has compelled Ben & Jerry's, in partnership with The Equality Campaign, to launch the latest phase of its ongoing mission to make a change.

Imogen Rugg, Ben & Jerry's Australia spokesperson stated, "We are proud to be standing alongside The Equality Campaign to continue the fight for marriage equality in Australia. Ben & Jerry's has a long and proud history of commitment to social justice, including LGBTQI rights and marriage equality. This commitment is grounded in our company's core values and an unshakable belief that everyone deserves full and equal civil rights."

"More Australians than ever before believe everyone should have the right to love who they love and marry them too. Let's make it happen! Go to your local scoop shop to send a message to local MPs to tell them you support marriage equality and you want them to take action now," added Rugg.

Tiernan Brady, Executive Director, The Equality Campaign commented on the Ben & Jerry's campaign, "Marriage equality will not change anything for the vast majority of Australians, but will make a profound difference to the status and dignity of many. No one will be less married or more gay with civil marriage equality,"� Tiernan Brady said.

"At equalitycampaign.org.au supporters will find the tools to lobby their MPs, hold local events, and share with their communities the many reasons why marriage equality matters. Our message to MPs is that this issue is not going away until parliament respects the will of the Australian people and passes marriage equality," Brady added.

In 2013, Ben & Jerry's launched a flavour in scoop shops called I Dough, I Dough to start conversation ahead of the election. The flavour will be available in stores this month so marriage equality supporters can enjoy the delicious taste of action when they send their postcard to their MP.

To show your support, simply visit one of Ben & Jerry's scoop shops between May 22 and June 9 to have your message delivered to an MP and visit the Ben & Jerry's website for more information