IRELAND: Stock Photo Couple Speaks Out, "All Children Deserve Equality"

Yesterday I reported that the couple who currently appears in Ireland's anti-gay marriage campaign is very unhappy that their photo is being used. Today Amnesty International unveiled a new image from that photo shoot and published a lengthy statement from the still unnamed couple. An excerpt:

We look forward to raising our son (in the picture) and our second child (due in June) to be open-minded and unafraid of change, and to respect all colours, creeds and sexualities etc. Above all we hope that children in Ireland will be guaranteed the equality that our children enjoy and will be able to grow up in a society which guarantees them full equality before the law, no matter who they love when they eventually go on to form adult, loving, committed relationships. Finally, the poster uses a stock image to present a particular view of a family. Well, we are the real family in that photograph. So for the record, here is what we think. This family believes that every child deserves to be loved and cherished. This family believes that everyone has a right to marry the person they love regardless of their gender. This family believes that EVERY family matters. And this family would vote Yes.

The couple says that they weren't paid for the photo shoot and just got images for their own use in return for granting the photographer the rights to the photos. They also say they are considering accepting the offer of a meeting with the anti-gay Mothers & Fathers Matter group. (Tipped by JMG reader Chaz)