Brad Pitt on Gay Marriage: Everyone Should Have the Same Rights

categories: Gay Marriage, LGBT Celebrities, LGBT Entertainment, Marriage Equality

Published August 05, 2009 @ 06:21PM PT

Brad Pitt

A few years ago, Brad Pitt said that he wouldn't marry Angelina Jolie until everyone had full and equal access to marriage, specifically committed gay and lesbian couples. To stand by that decision, Pitt even gave a significant sum of money to help defeat Proposition 8 in California last fall.

A few years later, Pitt is still standing by his words. He's interviewed in this coming week's issue of Parade Magazine, and among other things he waxes on about, he dishes a little on his thoughts about marriage. Here's the quip:

I have love in my life, a soul mate - absolutely. When someone asked me why Angie and I don't get married, I replied, 'Maybe we'll get married when it's legal for everyone else.' I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it - hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights. They say gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I've had the privilege of seeing my gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment.

Pretty cool to have probably the most famous male celebrity in the world take such a progressive stand on marriage equality.

Incidentally, Pitt also talks a bit about the subject of love. His thoughts are pretty relevant to his positions on marriage equality. Namely, true love should be fostered and protected at all costs. And everyone deserves that. Take it away, Bradley:

Do you know how you tell real love? It's when someone else's interest trumps your own. I like to put it that way: trumps your own. Love of somebody else--of family, of your kids--becomes the most important, most worthwhile thing in your life. It's what you foster and protect. You have to recognize real love when it's there and know that in going after it there is always risk. To live with love, you have to chance losing it. That's also true when you decide to have kids. It's the risk you take for love.

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Comments (14)

I have been waiting for some people that can get attention to help us the common folk. Thanks Brad people are born what they are, its not a choice for them. They should be respected and treated like anyone else. We really need to stop the right wing religious types from spreading their hate everywhere. Why can't they live and let live and quit trying to convert everyone to their way of thinking???

Cherokee Fred Jesus

Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 08/05/2009 @ 06:32PM PT
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Brad Pitt has become one of the few celebrities I respect along with his companion. Bless you, Brad.

Posted by S B on 08/05/2009 @ 07:12PM PT
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I have always respected Brad Pitt. He has always been there to help gay rights, humanitarian efforts...he's got a big heart.

Posted by Chris . on 08/06/2009 @ 05:14PM PT
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Brad Pitt has a correct view of same-sex marriage. By refusing to marry Angelina Jolie because the right of same-sex marriage isn't recognized in every state, Brad Pitt is taking a prominent stand for LGBT rights. Although Brad Pitt received hate mail from intolerant religious conservatives who have an incorrect view of LGBT rights, an actor standing for same-sex marriage is an even better actor. He's also correct on the true definition of love.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 08/05/2009 @ 07:27PM PT
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I remember him making that statement in 2006, but WOW! The most recent comment is exactly what we've been saying all along, just not as eloquently or as matter of fact.

It is so nice to have this man on our side and that he is sticking by his original statement. Thank you Mr. Pitt.

Posted by Dave Hershey on 08/05/2009 @ 09:07PM PT
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I always knew Brad Pitt was amazing and I've always loved him as an actor and a person, especially more knowing he supports the LGBT community! <3

Posted by Sarah McConnaughey on 08/05/2009 @ 10:18PM PT
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He'd better support the LGBT community, his "soul mate" is bisexual.

Posted by Luella - on 08/05/2009 @ 10:58PM PT
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Well said mr. pitt...Well said indeed.

@ Luella.

I wasnt aware that angelina jolie was bisexual...

Intriguing.

Posted by Thomas McHugh on 08/06/2009 @ 01:27AM PT
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Yeah... I think she actually identifies as pansexual. She said she would've married a woman if she hadn't married Billy Bob. Not sure what that means. lol

Posted by Luella - on 08/06/2009 @ 08:58PM PT
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Now lets see what the rest of the country is going to do, I feel the same way. How can we deny someone else something we have the right to do, yet ask them to vote on issues that will only benefit a marriage between a man and a woman. Health Care is a primary issue with people of same sex realationships, because even though they live as a family one is going to have to do without health care because they are not recongized a "valid" family. I have seen more families with a mom and dad have issues than same sex. But hey, maybe that's just me...Thanks Brad for bringing some weight to the cause, not dismissing everyone else but when you have a major voice speaking you tend to get more media coverage. Take care Sarah

Posted by Sarah Burnside on 08/06/2009 @ 03:36AM PT
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Well written, and sincere Sarah. But I have seen many LGBT families barely make it because of the issues they face with not being granted the federal rights to marriage. I too suffer from being separated from my fiance because of the immigration laws. When he comes back I will be damned if they try to tear us apart. However like you pointed out at least families with a mother and father can be married and receive those many benefits, that we, on the other hand, cannot.

Since you mentioned health care I will point this out. In order for Ruben (my Fiance) to receive a drivers licence on a B2 visa in Michigan he has to have health insurance. Well let say Ruben and I get married. Well If I am the main holder of the insurance guess what? I still cant add Ruben to my plan. Instead either he or myself will have to pay for separate plans. Worse off if we had or one day raise children we will have to pay separately for them.

This is the reality of many LGBT families. They are in far more financial strain than most really think. The stereotype of all LGBT being more financially sound is just as much as a false stereotype as it is that we are pedophiles.

Forgive me if I am or seem condescending but I have grown tired and annoyed with having to repeat this so many times. Thank you

Chris.

Posted by Chris Marshall on 08/06/2009 @ 11:17AM PT
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Chris you have every right to be pissed and I know you were not addressing me in a way to be condescending. Trust on this, we all need a way to express how we feel and if my comment allowed you to be able to say exactly what you wanted then that is all the better. Think on this, has anyone ever wondered why a lot of men have gone for the transgendered reassignment surgery lately. It would allow them to marry their partner legally since they would now be a woman. I am someone who will think so far out of the box I forgot I was in a box...Take care sweetie and good luck to your and life partner....Sarah

Posted by Sarah Burnside on 08/10/2009 @ 03:16AM PT
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I really appreciate Brad standing behind LGBT. He has the right attitudes. Sometimes I feel America still in the past compared to most Countries. A lot of countries have already past gay marriage or something similar with a different name but same rights. He is right it is about love. Marriage is to show our true love to someone. The problem with some of the religious people that are putting GLBT down for marriage they think the meaning of Marriage will not mean as much to them. This is the same assumption to what happened in Canada after gay marriage was allowed there a reported went around and ask "Has your life changed since the passing of gay marriage?" Person said,"Nope it has not changed."

Posted by Stephen Cash on 09/17/2009 @ 12:35AM PT
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Thanks so much, Brad, for standing up for what is right. What a lovely human being!

My spouse and I will have the same problem...when she gets a job I will have to get my own insurance even though we are legally married--at least in Canada.

Chris, my better half and I will keep you and your love in all our thoughts.

Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 09/17/2009 @ 07:41AM PT
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.