The US pop star Meghan Trainor has denounced an Australian anti-marriage equality advertisement that used her image to promote a no vote against legalising same-sex marriage.
The image, posted on Facebook but since deleted, featured Trainor alongside the caption: “My vote is no, you need to let it go.”
@Meghan_Trainor did you realise that your face was being used in Australian anti gay marriage propaganda?? pic.twitter.com/OBG3daQH0E
— melanie morgan (@melanie_mogs) August 23, 2017
Trainor responded on Twitter on Thursday morning, then took to social media to promote enrolment in the upcoming Australian marriage equality postal survey.
I SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY!Someone in Australia is illegally using my picture for a campaign against marriage equality. So wrong. Not okay
— Meghan Trainor (@Meghan_Trainor) August 23, 2017
The 23-year-old singer has advocated for marriage equality in the past, telling the UK’s Express that if she could pass any law it would be to “pass gay marriage everywhere [because] everyone should be able to love who they want”.
Organisers of the page told Guardian Australia the image was removed once the error had been brought to their attention.
“We apologise to Meghan Trainor and her support base if this has caused any angst or distress,” they said. “We had no idea who the person in the meme was ... We note Meghan Trainor supports marriage equality and we respect her right to her opinion on the matter.”
I've said it before, Everyone should be able to love who they want. I support equality, period. 💖👬👭💖
— Meghan Trainor (@Meghan_Trainor) August 23, 2017
Celebrities around the world are urging Australians to update their enrolment before the midnight deadline on Thursday.
Hours before the cut-off, stars including Stephen Fry, Miley Cyrus and Margot Robbie used social media to encourage participation in next month’s postal survey.
Australia! Support your #LGBTIQ friends, family & community. Enrol/update TODAY. #VoteYes to #MarriageEquality https://t.co/FcTtPm4o2D RT!
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 24, 2017
Australians: just a reminder. If you want a say on marriage equality, the rolls close tomorrow... https://t.co/9tOHOzljaL
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) August 23, 2017
AUSTRALIA !! there is only 2 more days to enrol or update ur deets here to be able to vote for marriage equality https://t.co/g6YxKLxjVr
— troye sivan (@troyesivan) August 21, 2017
Ellen DeGeneres also took to Twitter encouraging fans to enrol and vote yes.
Australia, I love you. It's time for marriage equality. Make sure you're enrolled to vote right now. https://t.co/O9XeCFljVq
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 23, 2017
The comedian and talkshow host is married to the Australian actor Portia de Rossi. They wed in 2008 shortly after California decided to legalise same-sex marriage. Their union is not legally recognised in Australia.
Aussies! #loveislove & it's for everyone. Today is the final day to make sure you're enrolled. Don't wait! ❣️https://t.co/6FNRm0uNXJ
— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) August 23, 2017
Aussies - 24 hours left to enroll to vote to for #marriageequaility in Australia!!
— Jessica Veronica (@Jessicaveronica) August 23, 2017
We can change history together💘 pic.twitter.com/rRxpPrnoEH
Australia, please make sure you are enrolled to vote. Love is love 🌈 pic.twitter.com/LOIMNt4KHd
— Flume (@flumemusic) August 12, 2017
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 54,500 people have been added to the electoral roll since 8 August.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics plans to issue survey forms to all Australians over 18 on the electoral roll from 12 September, with the surveys to be returned by 7 November at the latest.
According to the AEC, those with enrolment inquiries should call the ABS on 1800 572 113. Australians can check their details or register to vote here.
