Couple Featured In ‘No’ Campaign Poster Release Statement Supporting Marriage Equality

The couple whose image had been used in a "No" vote poster for the upcoming marriage referendum have released a statement in favour of the "Yes" vote. Mothers and Fathers Matter, a group campaigning for the "No " vote had used an image of the couple with their child captioned "every child needs a mother and father". A statement released by Amnesty International on behalf of the couple explains that the photos were taken by a photographer friend and that no money was exchanged. "We got nice photos for free, they got nice images for their portfolio. As part of this agreement, we agreed to let them upload them to a stock photo album" "Perhaps, naïvely, we imagined that on the off chance that any was ever selected, it might be for a small magazine or website. "To confirm, we have not received any money for the photo – then or now, and nor do we expect any. "We were surprised and upset to see that the photo was being used as part of a campaign with which we do not agree. "We completely support same-sex marriage, and we believe that same-sex couples’ should of course be able to adopt, as we believe that they are equally able to provide children with much-needed love and care. To suggest otherwise is offensive to us, and to many others". The couple, who live in the UK, went on to say that they support marriage equality and if they were Irish residents, they would be voting "Yes". "Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality has no place in the 21st century. If we were residents of Ireland, not the UK, we would vote Yes for marriage equality". Their statement can be read in full on the Amnesty International website. Colm O Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International, said: “Earlier this week, the comedian Adam Hills posted on social media, saying that he knew the family in the Mothers & Fathers Matters poster, and that they were surprised and upset at the use of their image. They are upset that an image of their family is being used to promote a message that they profoundly disagree with. The family, who are expecting their second child in June, do not want to be the poster family for the No side in this referendum. They want to ensure that when people look at those posters on lamp posts all around the country, and feel angry or upset because of how it judges them or members of their family, that the real family on the poster values them, values their relationships and ALL families. They want them to know, that they would vote ‘Yes’." Colm O'Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Mother and Fathers have since responded to say: “We’re just worried that next week Colm O’Gorman will be shocked and appalled as he discovers the family in the coke ads actually likes pepsi”."