Campaigners Urge Australians to Vote 'Yes' After High Court Challenge to Plebiscite is Dismissed. Credit - Human Rights Law Centre via Storyful

Campaigners Urge Australians to Vote 'Yes' After High Court Challenge to Plebiscite is Dismissed. Credit - Human Rights Law Centre via Storyful

SUBWAY has been drawn into the marriage equality debate, after a Melbourne man noticed a hidden message on his receipt.

Steve King got more than he bargained for when he picked up an egg and cheese breakfast sub and orange juice at the Cranbourne fast food outlet this week.

At the bottom of his receipt, after tallying the cost of the items, appears the message in bold type: “We believe in EQUALITY for ALL Australians. What about you? Vote “YES” in the Postal Survey. Do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

Marriage equality advocates welcomed the display of support, with one even vowing to change her fast food allegiance, commenting on Facebook: “I have never eaten at Subway and will have to change!”

“I think this is fabulous. Any support is great support,” a man wrote.

But not everyone was happy about the political gesture, with one customer blasting Subway on Twitter for “getting on your moral high horse”.

“Telling part of your customer base they wont be doing the ‘right thing’ isn’t real smart,” the man wrote, asking “where is the vote no section of the docket?”

Get out of the moral sphere @subwayaustralia What gives you the right to tell Australia what is right or wrong? You've lost me #auspol — John Keily (@JohnKeily1) September 8, 2017

sadly their intention is to subvert the definition and purpose of marriage — Bryan (@nucopia1) September 8, 2017

Subway has not taken a public stance on the issue of same sex marriage, unlike McDonald’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Coopers, Swisse Coca-Cola Amatil and a string of other major companies who have signed an open letter of support for marriage equality.

The company said in a statement to news.com.au: “Each franchisee is a small business owner in their local community with their own personal views and beliefs.

“At Subway, respect for every individual is a core value. We are committed to treating every person with honour, dignity and respect — regardless of their beliefs, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.”

Read more: Churches reject Australian Christian Lobby's 'No Campaign'

dana.mccauley@news.com.au