FORMER Carlton star Michael Jamison has hit out at his former AFL club’s stance on same-sex marriage.

The Blues released a statement yesterday declining to endorse the Yes Campaign on gay marriage, despite the AFL’s very public stance on the debate, as Australians vote in a nation-wide postal survey.

In a short statement, the Blues declared themselves to be a “leader in engendering equality” but fell short of recommending a Yes vote.

“The issue of ‘same sex marriage’ is essentially one of equality; and so the club encourages all of its people to have their say in this important national vote,” it stated.

“As a club, we respect that this is about personal choice, and as such don’t intend to campaign on the issue, but we do strongly reinforce our club’s absolute commitment to equality — and a community that is free from any form of discrimination.”

media_camera Michael Jamison has turned on his former club.

Jamison, who left the club at the end of last season after 150 matches, suggested it wasn’t good enough.

Jamison has been very public in supporting a Yes vote, telling the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph earlier this month he was campaigning with his gay twin brother, Will.

“You can fence sit when you are debating whether to have a twilight grand final not when it comes to equality,” he wrote on Twitter.

In supporting the AFL’s public support of marriage equality, Premier Dan Andrews said he sent AFL boss Gil McLachlan a text message last night and said “well done”.

“That is what leadership is all about, standing up for what’s right, and that’s exactly what Gil McLachlan has done,” he said.

“I don’t think we need to have this postal survey but if we are going to have it we might as well win it and we might as well we make a profound change to the law and bring this law into the 21st Century.”

Mr Andrews wouldn’t comment on Carlton’s statement, but Attorney General and Blues fan Martin Pakula said it could have been stronger.

“If you read the text of the statement, it’s a generally supportive statement,” Mr Pakula said.

“Something more direct and more unequivocal would have been more advisable.”

Fair enough too mate. You can fence sit when you are debating whether to have a twilight grand final not when it comes to equality. — Michael Jamison (@mjamo40) September 20, 2017

He went on to further explain why he was so disappointed with his former club.

I reckon they have offended more than they haven't with that statement, unfortunately. However, can't deny anyone's right to their op. — Michael Jamison (@mjamo40) September 20, 2017

Although, can you respect an opinion that states not everyone is equal? — Michael Jamison (@mjamo40) September 20, 2017

Yeah, I'll respectfully listen and respect everyone's right to have an opinion but I don't have to respect their opinion on certain matters. — Michael Jamison (@mjamo40) September 20, 2017

Agree. Probably a slight difference in how different people are treated by others and how they are treated and viewed by the law though — Michael Jamison (@mjamo40) September 20, 2017

Carlton AFLW star Darcy Vescio has also been a prominent campaigner for same-sex marriage.

The AFL has made clear its support for marriage equality on Wednesday, replacing the AFL logo at head office with the word “Yes”.

AFL clubs Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Collingwood have also pledged support for marriage equality in the past fortnight, joining long-term campaigners Sydney and St Kilda — who pioneered the annual pride game — on the issue.

Jamison wasn’t the only footy commentator to criticise the Carlton statement.

Bit disappointed by my mob. If you strive for equality and inclusion you only have one option. https://t.co/LEKr38fYib — Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) September 20, 2017

With you @AndyMaherDFA - really disappointing. Not good enough; equality can't be negotiable. https://t.co/aYM88VCXnd — Andrew Giles MP (@andrewjgiles) September 20, 2017

Disappointing Carlton, if you want "equality" support the community that has been denied that right for so long. https://t.co/abEJ4v5hgl — Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) September 20, 2017

VERY DISAPPOINTING. Carlton issues non-statement on marriage equality https://t.co/86hYxkISij via @CarltonFC — Shannon Power (@shannonjpower) September 20, 2017

Some however have praised the club for not getting involved in the social debate.

Well done Carlton! Sport, whether it be professional or not, should never be used to carry a political agenda/message! #makeupyouownmindOz — Gunbuster (@GunbusterDDG41) September 20, 2017

Well done to the Carlton FC in not being bullied into pushing an opinion down people throats.Freedom of your own voice and opinion is 👌 — Tony Reiche (@TonyReiche1) September 20, 2017

While Collingwood Tony Shaw said Carlton had every right to not push an agenda.

“I’m not voting because we elected our politicians to make hard decisions and they haven’t got the guts to do it,” he said.

“If I was going to vote, I’d vote yes, it wouldn’t worry me, but I’m not voting.”

Asked if if was appropriate for clubs and the AFL to take a public position on the issue, Shaw added: “No, because the thing that is horrible about this is the ‘yes’ vote now - everybody says it’s about unity and peace and love and all that - but now it has become pretty ordinary.

“There’s a lot of vilification going around for people who are voting no.

“Like I said, I would have voted yes but I’m doing a silent protest on it.”

As much as I hate Carlton, good on them for taking a stand. People have the right to vote either way. Take politics out of footy as well — Tut (@aplacetocrash) September 20, 2017

Good on Carlton Making A Stance on SSM AFL has become too political we want our Football back with RULES — Davo 5 (@DwdonsDavid) September 20, 2017

They're a football club - why do they have to pick a side on a political/social issue. And if they did would it really affect your vote? SMH — Aye Bee (@WiseOne68) September 20, 2017

Originally published as Backlash on Blues’ gay marriage call