Government broadcaster SBS has defended its position in supporting same-sex marriage after the issue was raised today in the Senate estimates hearings.
Senator Matt Canavan said SBS has taken sides during the marriage equality debate, reported The Sydney Morning Herald, questioning the broadcaster’s inclusion of its logo in a full-page ad of supporting organisations, which appeared in The Australian earlier this year.
Same-sex marriage is still against the law in Australia, and as a public broadcaster, not a private company, Canavan questioned why the body is involved.
“Why is it appropriate for a public broadcaster to involve themselves in a political campaign on issues such as this?” Canavan asked SBS managing director, Michael Ebeid.
To which Ebeid replied: “We are an organisation that does everything we can to support equality,” further adding he believes it’s a societal issue, rather than a political issue.
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SBS told B&T there is nothing further to add.
