TV star Jesse Tyler Ferguson has pledged over $10,000 (£6,100) towards same-sex marriage in Australia.

The Modern Family star who married his husband Justin Mikita back in 2012 after announcing their engagement on YouTube, will head to Australia to film an episode of the TV show, and has said he will use the time in the country to push for same-sex marriage.

Australia’s High Court in December overturned legislation allowing same-sex marriages in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Tyler Ferguson made the pledge via a post on his charity’s website. The Tie the Knot Foundation sells bespoke bow ties, and donates profits to same-sex marriage campaigns.

He wrote: “Like many marriage equality advocates we were saddened to hear that Australia’s High Court recently overturned the law that legalised same sex marriage in their great country… Newlyweds ourselves, Justin and I kept thinking how devastated we would have been if suddenly we were no longer recognised as a legal couple.

“Tie The Knot has always focused its efforts on marriage equality in the United States, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is a great opportunity to bring attention to the journey toward marriage equality that Australia is currently embarking on. We have great faith in their strength and perseverance… so much so I am personally pledging $10,000 toward the marriage equality efforts in Australia…

“This fight isn’t a quick one in the United States, and it won’t be in Australia either. But together we can make a difference!”

The ACT Parliament passed a bill in October making the territory the first part of Australia to legalise equal marriage.

But the Federal Government challenged the decision, saying it was inconsistent with federal laws.

An effort to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia was unsuccessful in 2012.