Canberra, Aug 21 (IANS): Australian flag carrier Qantas' CEO Alan Joyce on Monday urged the country to support same-sex marriage in a looming postal vote, the media reported.

In May, Joyce vowed to press charges against a man who struck him with a pie over his support for same-sex marriage, which is not legal in Australia, reports the BBC.

Joyce has also faced criticism from some politicians who say he should not take a political stance on behalf of the airline.

However, he said his company "would be active out there" in campaigning.

"I believe we have to get behind it and make sure that we have a 'yes' vote and certainly I will be out there strongly campaigning for a 'yes' vote.

"We believe the social issues are very important (to) all of your (company) stakeholders and are very important for this country."

Australians will be asked their views on same-sex marriage through a voluntary, non-binding ballot set to begin next month, BBC said.

If it shows support for changing Australia's Marriage Act, it is expected that a vote in parliament will follow.

Joyce was one of 20 company chief executives who signed a petition in March calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to legalise same-sex marriage.