Equality advocates have called on the Australian Christian Lobby and politicians opposed to marriage equality to condemn assault by opponents of the reform after Tony Overheu admitted he threw a pie at QANTAS chief, Alan Joyce, in protest at Mr Joyce's support for marriage equality.

Just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said

"The assault against Mr Joyce has no place in Australian political debate and has damaged the credibility of the entire movement against marriage equality."

"We call on the Australian Christian Lobby, and other groups and public figures who oppose marriage equality, to condemn the attack on Alan Joyce and take steps to ensure their supporters understand this kind of behaviour is not acceptable."

"There is a clear link between the outrageous, fear-based campaigns being run by anti-LGBTI groups and the assault against Mr Joyce, a link that these groups must be held accountable for."

Ivan Hinton-Teoh also called on Federal Government minister, Peter Dutton, to shoulder part responsibility for the attack.

Mr Dutton recently condemned business leaders including Mr Joyce for speaking out in support of marriage equality, saying they should "stick to their knitting".

"Mr Dutton may not have thrown the pie but his comments created a climate of resentment and loathing towards business leaders who support marriage equality."

"He has a responsibility to make it clear that all civil and respectful voices have a valued place in the marriage equality debate."

"The best way to ensure this unacceptable behaviour doesn't happen again is for the Government to allow a free vote so marriage equality can pass asap."

"In the meantime, there must be civility on both sides of the marriage equality debate."

For a news report go to: www.skynews.com.au/news/national/wa/2017/05/10/joyce-pie-faced-for-promoting-gay-marriage.html