Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have become ambassadors for the United Nations' gay rights campaign.
The hip-hop duo - whose hit song 'Same Love' became an anthem for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people earlier this year - have agreed to be 'equality champions' for United Nations Free & Equal, which raises awareness of homophobia and promotes equality for LGBT people across the globe.
Rapper Macklemore said in a statement: "We're so honoured to be working with the United Nations and Free & Equal to help spread a message of equality and respect. Ryan and I have always believed that human rights are for everyone - no exceptions."
United Nations' human rights officer Charles Radcliffe added: "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are probably the biggest duo in music today. Their music is enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people but it's also brought a human rights message to a massive new, global audience. We are thrilled to have their support for the Free & Equal campaign."
The stars earned an MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message for 'Same Love', which champions equal rights for gay and lesbian people.
The song, which features vocals from openly lesbian singer Mary Lambert, was recorded in 2012 as same-sex marriage was passed into US law.
'Same Love' includes lyrics such as: "I can't change, even if I tried, even if I wanted to" and "I might not be the same, but that's not important; no freedom till we're equal, damn right I support it".
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