Magda Szubanski, star of hit Australian comedy Kath & Kim has revealed she is a lesbian and questioned why serial killers have more right to marriage than gays.

British-born Szubanski, 50, plays Sharon Strzelecki, best friend of one of the award-winning show’s two main characters.

She made the announcement for Valentine’s Day on Australia’s Channel 10 and announced she was “1000 per cent” behind gay marriage.

She said: “We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store windows.

“And, chances are, gay people designed whatever it is you’re wearing.

“All Australians, including gay Australians, should have exactly the same rights, including the right to love, marry and take care of our partners.”

On the current iniquity of Australian marriage rules, she said: “The law means that you could be a serial killer and have killed all of your spouses and yet you would still be considered fit to marry.

“But if you are gay, then you are not worthy of these same rights.”

Two private members’ bills were introduced at the parliament of Australia this week and would give equal marriage rights to gay couples if they can muster more support.

Admired comic actress Szubanski also appeared in the 1995 film Babe as the farmer’s wife and voiced Miss Viola in the animated film Happy Feet.

On waiting to come out after years in the acting profession, she told 3AW: “I needed to be as solid as I could be so I could do this in the strongest way possible and be really clear about myself.”