Monday, September 19, 2011

Brad Pitt on why we’re still fighting for marriage equality: ‘it’s blatant, ugly bigotry’



“Can you believe that we’re still fighting for equality in America?” Pitt wonders, in the expanded web interview.

“To be against marriage for everyone is utter discrimination,” Pitt said. “I feel strongly about that because if equality of marriage doesn’t happen now, the next generation will have to deal with it.”

“It is an amazing thing that New York has finally gotten same-sex marriage. But the real problem is that the federal government hides behind states on this issue. It is blatant, ugly bigotry, and the federal government shouldn’t be doing that. You’re denying some Americans the right that all Americans have, to live their lives as they choose.

“What are you so afraid of? That’s my question. Gay people getting married? What is so scary about that? It’s complicated. You grow up in a religion like that and you try to pray the gay away. I feel sadness for people like that. This is where people start short-circuiting — instead of being brave and questioning their beliefs, they are afraid and feel that they have to defend them.”

On faith, Pitt said he doesn’t mind a world with religion, but gets “hot” when people use religion to “start dictating how other people must live.”

“People suffer because of it,” he said. “They are spreading misery.”

No comments: