Brad Pitt fights for equal marriage rights for gay couples
Lately, it seems to me like Brad Pitt just keeps doing amazing things. His latest work? He donated $100,000 in a pledge to fight back against California’s Proposition 8. The proposition seeks to ban gay marriage and Brad doesn’t agree with that:
“Because no one has the right to deny another their life even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn’t harm another, and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8.”
Meanwhile, Chad Griffin, who is the political strength behind the rally to get other powerful celebrities to throw some weight against the proposition, made a statement where he said:
“It is our hope that others in the entertainment industry will step up and match Brad Pitt’s heroic commitment to quality and defeating Prop. 8. This isn’t a special interest issue - this measure affects every business and every family. With California’s budget and the national economy in chaos, the last thing we need is an unnecessary measure that threatens health benefits and protections for children.”
It seems like every day I am more and more proud to be a fan. Way to go, Brad!
You can learn more and take part at VoteNoOnProposition8.com.
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58 opinions for Brad Pitt fights for equal marriage rights for gay couples
Liz
Sep 17, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Yay, Brad, and yay Sherry for the post! I just saw this on the web and read it to my husband. I think he may be ready to become a Brad fan. This is a brave and bold gesture to make at a time people are running for cover from the, um, conservative onslaught we are facing in the American election. Go, Brad! Go! Fight! Win!
Debra77
Sep 17, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Thanks Sherry, I kept checking your site for this news. I saw it on Justjared. I loved his statement. I hope others will see the injustice of denying others the rights that were meant for all regardless of sexual preference. And that is all it really comes down to isn’t is. Just what happens in a bedroom. How sad. If that issue was removed I think people would be outraged that this is happening. It was not that long ago that Blacks/Whites were banned from getting married. People had what they called “just cause” for that stance as well. Injustice is easy to defend but so hard to justify. Our nation must see its citizenship with an all encompassing eye. When one group is discriminated against. It lays the foundation for that discrimination to be directed towards anyone. We must learn from the past.
I don’t care whether gays get married. I should be opened to anyone who loves and wants to share that with others.
BlessBrangelina
Sep 17, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Very proud of him. CNN has not covered it through their scroller, but they covered JLo’s birthday party for Mark and People’s Best and Worst list?
A few people are making sarcastic comments re:because Angie won’t marry him. Rubbish! He has a lot of friends who are gay, like Melissa Etheridge and Chuck Pahluknaic(sp). Angie said re: marriage 1) they haven’t discussed it and 2) he was trying to make a point to all those who were obsessing about them getting married.
Such as, there are others who really want this freedom to marry who you want or love.
"another" Sherry
Sep 17, 2008 at 11:00 pm
BlessBrangelina–I agree with you about making sarcatic remarks about them not marrying. Earlier in the week, signed on to aol and said they were “breaking up” and “Brad flees”, Angie is suffering post partom depression. Who knows if that is true?
It’s hard enough to find love. Stay out of peoples love life.
Rach
Sep 18, 2008 at 12:29 am
I admire this man. Does anyone think that their vote will go to Obama in light of this as seen as the Republicans are so radically against gay marriage?? I hope so!
The Drunken Blogger
Sep 18, 2008 at 4:32 am
Brad Pitt just keeps doing amazing things. I agree, donating $100,000 for such a cause puts him out there
davesmomster
Sep 18, 2008 at 5:56 am
Yay Brad! He is a brave man who stands up for what he believes. As for Angie and Brad getting married, they already are in their hearts. All the negative stuff about Brad and Angie bores me to tears. Such bull!
cee
Sep 18, 2008 at 7:45 am
I am always so proud of them. Angie has said they have not ruled it out. They have a family to raise and the the rest will come when it is time. God Bless the Jolie Pitts
kim
Sep 18, 2008 at 9:10 am
Rach,
I do not believe that AJ and Brad agree politically, as independents I believe they look at all the issues. I think they make their minds up independently and vote that way. I say this from articles and interviews in which they say there is many heated political discussions in their house. Just because Brad votes one way does not mean AJ will vote the same way. And despite the fact I believe they both agree on this subject, I believe there are bigger issues of more concern to them that will decide which way they vote.
kim
Sep 18, 2008 at 9:22 am
Just so we are clear I believe that if people want to get married then they should be able to do that. Why shouldn’t everyone be able to experience the joy of marriage and the hell of divorce if they feel like paying for it. I do not think this is an important issue in the election, and feel there are a lot more important issues that effect a lot more people that should be discussed.
Mary Ann
Sep 18, 2008 at 10:41 am
Kim, very nicely said. I totally agree with you. This is frightening times right now, we need to worry about more important things. I also agree that everyone has their own life to live. Live and let live.
Angel
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:23 am
Sorry for being a bummer, but there is soooo many other things that brad could donate 100,000$ to. I really don’t care if he supports it or not but really brad has forgotten about the dying children? I’m not saying that it’s brad responsibility but when you know that there are children dying in Africa and even about from cancer, this is just so superficial.
Angel
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:26 am
Opps..I messed up on my post i meant to say.
*when you know that there are children dying in Africa and even in America from cancer, this is just so superficial.
Sherry
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:31 am
Angel, I find that pretty incredible of you to say. Are you unaware of ANY of Brad’s other work? Make It Right, with all their work in NOLA. Not On Our Watch. The Jolie-Pitt foundation building medical centers in Africa.
Brad supports more than one cause, all of them important ones. He’s certainly entitled to support this as well.
April
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:51 am
I guess everyone has thier faults.
mysmichelle
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:54 am
actually the $100,000 isn’t all that much of a donation for Brad, I think it’s sorta a token and a statement just to drum up others intrests, they are using him to attract other high profile people.
Brad Pitt cannot save all the cancer/starving/aides victims but if we could settle this dum dum debate about some peolple being able to marry and some not maybe there would be time to worry about some of the other issues.
I’m worried about feeding my kids for the next four years, seriously there is a never ending well of problems and issues and you can’t down Brad for giving a relatively little amount to an issue that is important to him……….this is not the first time he has publicly supported gay marriage
It’s his money and his name I’m sure this was a well thought out placement of his endorsement
Sandra
Sep 18, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Actually - Brad contradicts himself…if everyone has a right as long as it doesn’t hurt others…then why did he dump Jen? Because HE felt like it. If he is such a Proponent of marriage then maybe he needs to marry Angie instead of perpuating the cycle the it’s ok to have kids out of wedlock and then leave if you feel like it.
BlessBrangelina
Sep 18, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Exactly Mysmichelle. He’s stance is to raise awareness.
*Angel*, your welcome to your opinion, but try to have some facts before you give it. Like the examples that Sherry gave. Also just last week, Brad and Angie donated $2million to building hospitals in Africa, and to provide specialist’s care and medication for the area.
Between your unfounded opinions and their proven actions…who is Superficial???
BlessBrangelina
Sep 18, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Exactly Mysmichelle. He’s stance is to raise awareness.
Angel, your welcome to your opinion, but try to have some facts before you give it. Like the examples that Sherry gave. Also just last week, Brad and Angie donated $2million to building hospitals in Africa, and to provide specialist’s care and medication for the area.
Between your unfounded opinions and their proven action, who is Superficial???
BlessBrangelina
Sep 18, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Posts under moderation.
Also just last week, Brad and Angie donated $2million to building hospitals in Africa, and to provide specialist’s care and medication for the area.
janine
Sep 18, 2008 at 1:56 pm
It really really frustrates me when people slam an individual for supporting one cause instead of another. There are a lot of injustices in the world. I’m glad anyone cares enough to be passionate, donate, volunteer and educate others about one of the many plights that are out there. I work and volunteer with animal rescue organizations. Sometimes I hear why are you wasting time/money on dogs/cats when you could be saving children? Well, I care about starving children as well as starving dogs/cats. Why is it one or the other? If you are concerned about children in Africa I suggest you get involved with helping them instead of criticizing someone for supporting another worthy cause.
bradpittwantsme
Sep 18, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I guess I am the only conservative one on this blog! I do NOT support gay marriage and I think there are some issues that celebrities need to just stay away from. Who CARES what celebrities think about political issues? In my opinion, we are supposed to please GOD and no one else. I know what it says in the bible - in that respect, Brad is not being a very good Christian example by living with Angelina. Both their mothers begged them to get married, and yet they still choose to just live together. What kind of example is that for their children? I know they have done a ton of great things - more than most celebrities, but on this issue, I think they should back down until they are willing to set a better example for their own children.
Mary
Sep 18, 2008 at 2:38 pm
People have a right to their opinions on all subjects. I do have to ask where either of their mother’s said they should get married? This is all tabloid gossip, not factual as far as I know, and neither of their parents have said anything on the record about marriage.
Celebrities like all voting citizens of the US have a right to their opinions and can give money to any cause they so choose. We may or may not agree with them, but it is their money, their thoughts and it is not OUR business what they do or say. As stated above, they don’t owe us anything and they cannot save the world from all its ills.
If there are issues that are important to others, then they should give their money, time and effort to move those issues forward, not tell others what they should or should not do. Thanks.
kim
Sep 18, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Well I can see this is heated topic. What does marriage have to do with God and the church, can I ask? Unless you get married in a church. But, the way I understand it, it is just another way for governments to make an extra couple hundred dollars, and you can sign up too. The government shouldn’t have anything to do with what two people have to say to each other whether they believe in God or not. On the other hand lets face one undeniable fact the parts that we are born with are not made that way, but if some people choice to use them another way and put emotional attachment on people of the some sex well that is thier consern not mine. I sure don’t want anyone in me and my husbands bedroom.
bradpittwantsme
Sep 18, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Precisely. And no one should tell me that what Brad is doing is a great thing when it is against my Christian beliefs. Every one of us is entitled to our own opinions, including me.
LizA
Sep 18, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Brad has said he supports Obama, Angie has remained neutral publicly though I would eat Brad’s hat if I learned she voted for McCain.
Celebrities do bring attention to a cause, even if people say they wouldn’t be influenced they do talk about the issue more, and in public with others, so there is an awareness raising effect.
I think this donation is really great. The photos of Takei and Altman made me cry, they’ve been together so long and the look they both had was just beautiful and what love is about.
Lola
Sep 18, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I’d like to comment on the fact that Brad and Angie aren’t “married”. I don’t understand why politics or the government has to have a say in marriage (who gets married, etc). B and A may not have a marriage license but they exhibit the very qualities of a solid marriage and partnership. They have a better “marriage” than most legally married couples. And good for Brad for donating to the cause. People may not agree with the lifestyle (it’s ok to disagree) but nobody has the right to dictate their own opinions over another’s life. I am and will always be PRO-MARRIAGE but not necessarily PRO-MARRIAGE LICENSE. Hehe!
fan
Sep 18, 2008 at 6:02 pm
FYI, brad’s mother and angie’s late mother have never said anything on record about their desires one way or another about them being married, lets tone down the tabloid rumors, you can spread that to other sites.
Lisa
Sep 18, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Everyone has the right to an opinion to a point. In Canada, we have anti-hate laws… it is a criminal act to promote hatred towards specific groups (ie. race, religion, sexual orientation). The reason I left my original church is because of it’s historic discrimination against women and same-sex couples.
I am proud to be a Brad and Angie fan, and now even more so. Equal rights!
sarahc
Sep 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Way to go Brad. Live up to your beliefs.
sunny
Sep 19, 2008 at 2:38 am
bradpittwantsme,
Brad’s and Angie’s mothers have never stated what you wrote. I think your comment is based on made-up stories from tabloids which Brad said only 7% is the truth in their story. It tells the quolity of them and their readers.
cv
Sep 19, 2008 at 4:48 am
so gay person’s are not allowed to get divorced from a unhappy marraige sandra? what’s aniston got to do with 2 people of the same sex being allowed to marry?
sara
Sep 19, 2008 at 4:50 am
i c undercover haters coming here
anotherbix
Sep 19, 2008 at 6:37 am
Christianity shouldn’t have anything to do with marriage in the legal sense; this is all about financial and legal protection for couples and families. Doesn’t really matter if you believe in God or not, only whethers you believe in equality and same legal rights for everyone.
Good for Brad, glad he’s standing up and saying what he believes. That’s a good example for his kids.
kim
Sep 19, 2008 at 8:35 am
Lisa,
Please don’t bring up our anti hate laws in Canada, Just another big brother is watching you law, that cost to much money. Like making sure every thing in Canada is printed in french and english. And also the anti hate law is very discriminatory if you are anything but a minority.
Ann
Sep 19, 2008 at 9:07 am
Why are we discussing Politics on this site? I can possibly see why this was originally posted, just to keep everyone aware of “Brad’s doings” but honestly let’s not pit (or pitt) fellow Jolie-Pitt aficionados against one another. There are both liberal and conservative people following this site. Let’s try to not offend each other - it isn’t necessary. Seems the 08 race is negative and divisive enough. let’s try not to bring that negativity here.
While gay marriage may or may not be a “hot issue” for you, it is clear that it is a controversial issue. If this is going to sway you to vote one way or another fine but why not express your feelings at the polls, not here? I think starting an entire political debate on this site really diminishes it and creates an environment that is unnecessarily hostile.
I believe that the media often suggests that the vast majority of voters support a particular candidate and his ideas but the fact is that if the vast majority actually supported only one candidate, the polls wouldn’t be as close as they are. What that tells me is that my fellow pittwatch readers may be split down the middle on their political viewpoints. By making comments here, for or against a candidate and/or party, all you are really doing is upsetting those who think differently than you.
There is a time and place to express your political support and viewpoint but can we all agree that this isn’t the place or time?
I see nothing wrong with people wanting to say something positive about this like kim who said “Good for Brad, glad he’s standing up and saying what he believes. That’s a good example for his kids.” But all the rest of the political grandstanding just doesn’t belong here.
So my comment is this” Kudos to Brad for standing up for something he is adamant about. I admire people who put their money where their mouth is regardless of whether or not I agree.
Peace people, let’s keep the environment here friendly.
Ann
Sep 19, 2008 at 9:16 am
OFF TOPIC
I really came here to post an off topic comment as a heads up to my fellow jolie-pitt aficionados and decided I would post it under the most recent entry so here goes:
Don’t know if any of you are aware but you may want to be careful when googling “Brad Pitt.” Apparently interest in Brad has led to great opportunity for hackers. A friend sent me a link to read about protecting myself, because she knows how much I support the Jolie-Pitts and I thought I’d pass it on. {I apologize in advance for those who object to the source (the Christian Monitor) but know I am not making a statement about Christianity. If Christianity offends you, or you find it offensive to link to a Christian website, feel free not to.} I just thought I’d pass on the link with no religious connotations implied:
http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2008/09/17/the-dangers-of-googling-brat-pitt/
PEACE!
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:17 am
Did you people read this new big rumor about them breaking up? And now people are saying who don’t they get married? What if they have problem and they want to solve those problem before marriage? What if they don’t want to tie the knot until they will be sure they are together for life?
I personally think Brad wasn’t happy during Cannes this year and there seemed to be something negetive between these two.and it was weird Angie didn’t do any effort to go with him to his RCs for BAR. And if Brad is not going to be on the red carpet with Angie for her next movie in 4th of Oct,then i think it will be even weirder. Times will tell if this new rumor is true or not. NE is claiming they heard this from CELEBRITIES not their sourse. maybe they have told this to some of their friends and they told this to NE. Brad had dinner with afew celebrities during Toronto and he was with bunch of celebrities in Venice. he could have told this to anyone. even PH is talking about it.
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:20 am
Did you people read this new big rumor about them breaking up? And now people are saying who don’t they get married? What if they have problem and they want to solve those problem before marriage? What if they don’t want to tie the knot until they will be sure they are together for life?
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:22 am
I personally think Brad wasn’t happy during Cannes this year and there seemed to be something negetive between these two.and it was weird Angie didn’t do any effort to go with him to his RCs for BAR. And if Brad is not going to be on the red carpet with Angie for her next movie in 4th of Oct,then i think it will be even more weirder. Times will tell if this new thing is true or not. NE is claiming they heard this from CELEBRITIES not their sourse. maybe they have told this to some of their friends and they told this to NE. Brad had dinner with afew celebrities during Toronto and he was with bunch of celebrities in Venice. he could have told this to anyone. even PH is talking about it. time will tell whether this new thing is right or not. but i still think it is weird that they took unusual step in denying this.
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:24 am
I personally think Brad wasn’t happy during Cannes this year and there seemed to be something negetive between these two.and it was weird Angie didn’t do any effort to go with him to his RCs for BAR. And if Brad is not going to be on the red carpet with Angie for her next movie in 4th of Oct,then i think it will be even more weirder. Times will tell if this new thing is true or not. this first blog which had this story is claiming they heard this from CELEBRITIES not their sourse. maybe they have told this to some of their friends and they told this to one of blog. Brad had dinner with afew celebrities during Toronto and he was with some of celebrities in Venice. he could have told this to anyone. even Brangelina’s friendly blogs are talking about it. time will tell whether this new thing is right or not. but i still think it is weird that they took unusual step in denying this.
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:26 am
why my post are under mod? i just talked about this new rumor and how it was weird Brad and Angelina denied it very soon,while usually they ignore it. and how this time ,they heard it from celebs. why my posts are undermod.i though this blog is free for speech.
BAMPZSKV
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:27 am
why my post are under mod? i just talked about this new thing and how it was w**rd Brad and Angelina den*ed it very soon,while usually they ig*ore it. and how this time ,they heard it from celebs. why my posts are undermod.i thought this blog is free for speech.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:28 am
test
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:29 am
Have you guys heard about new rumors around?
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:30 am
this time they are saying their sources are celebs not their usual source,what do you think?
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:32 am
Time will tell if this rumor is true or not.hope it is not true. it is a very sad thing for a couple with 6 kids.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:37 am
I really hope Brad will show on the red carpet with Angie on Oct,not to fuel this rumor even more.
Haters are telling brad doesn’t look happy nowadays,i think maybe he had/has some other problem. I though the same about Cannes pics or these new pics and how Angie is not seen in public for over 5 months. but there can be some other reason as well. Brad wasn’t happy during Cannes or in new pics of red carpet but i think it is more about tiredsome not saddness. I don’t want to accept these new rumors,but why did they deny it so fast,it would have been better if they were ignoring it as always.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:38 am
I really hope Brad will show on the red carpet with Angie on Oct,not to fuel this rumor even more.
some people are telling brad doesn’t look happy nowadays,i think maybe he had/has some other problem. I though the same about Cannes pics or these new pics and how Angie is not seen in public for over 5 months. but there can be some other reason as well. i think it is more about tiredsome not saddness. I don’t want to accept these new rumors.
Neela
Sep 19, 2008 at 10:58 am
haven’t been here awhile.
good for brad for backing up what he believes in.
jjb, about the rumors, they are just that. the rumor that was so rampant yesterday was started by the national enquirer, need we even say more there? besides, every week, the tabs have something about them splitting or having problems. angie’s rep has already debunked the rumors, and if other rumors are to be believed, the family was actually spotted having breakfast outside their chateau. and if other rumors are to be believed, locals have even spotted them having romantic dinners, just the two of them. so, just because we haven’t seen pics of them together in public, doesn’t mean they’ve separated. and remember pics are just a snapshot of a brief moment in a person’s life. personally, i would assume they were just tired.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:00 am
BTW this time,Brad and Angelina were fast at denying it. something that doesn’t happen usually. they usually just ignore it. but this time thy denied it as soon as rumors were in blogs.
will have to wait and see what’s behind all these events.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:02 am
BTW this time,Brad and Angelina were fast at denying it. something that doesn’t happen usually. they usually just ignore it.
will have to wait and see what will happen with all these events.
JJB
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:02 am
opps for double post.
Ligaya
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:14 am
Amen, Janine, it’s not one or the other. We can choose one, the other, and/or both and more.
Ann, I scanned the posts, but unless I missed something, I found the environment totally friendly. And there isn’t a fatwa here against references to Christianity or any other belief, so you don’t need to be concerned about referencing the Christian Science Monitor.
Ann, I understand what you’re saying. But IMO neither Brad nor Angelina can be divided up so neatly as the halves that take political stands (e.g. gay rights, refugees) and the halves that don’t (acting, parenting). IMO, Angelina and Brad are 3-dimensional people who do everything, plus are human enough to make mistakes. In my experience with Pittwatch, we’ve been able to have reasonable discussion even if it’s a heated debate. There are probably Brad/Angelina fansites who focus only on the happy, non-controversial, apolitical aspects – I don’t think Pittwatch is one of them. I think we embrace and acknowledge the wholeness of the JPs, warts and all.
Ligaya
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:48 am
Some wag on another blog explained Brad’s donation as his way of making official his bromance with George Clooney. HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Another said it’s because Brad is in a hurry to marry Angelina, so he wants gay marriage legalized in all the U.S. pronto. Donald Trump thought Brad’s quote in Esquire was Brad’s sneaky way of getting out of marrying Angelina.
The question is: Do all humans have equal rights - to whom we marry, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, free speech, free press (information), the right to vote, choose our religion if any, from discrimination, etc.?
No matter our gender, class, race/ethnicity, belief/creed, I believe all humans must have equal rights – it’d be injustice, otherwise. It wasn’t too long ago in human time that the U.S. had anti-miscegenation laws on the books: different races were prohibited from loving & marrying each other, usually blacks and whites (no Halle Berry, no B.O. running for office) – also the law in South African apartheid. In a certain time, it would have been illegal for my white husband to marry a Filipina wife.
The same kind of arguments made for anti-miscegenation are the same arguments made against gay marriage now. Remember, then people of color were considered animals, something beneath human beings, second-class at the best.
Ligaya
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:51 am
UNDER MOD:
Some wag on another blog explained Brad’s donation as his way of making official his bromance with George Clooney. ;-) . . . The question is: Do all humans have equal rights . . .
Ligaya
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:52 am
UNDER MOD:
The question is: Do all humans have equal rights . . .
Sherry
Sep 19, 2008 at 11:54 am
BAMPZSKV - It’s not anything personal when you’re moderated, it happens all the time to people. Please see here: http://www.pittwatch.com/pittwatch-comment-policy/
Also, I’m going to close comments on this entry, something I don’t normally do. I feel a need to do so because the purpose of the entry was to let people know something new that Brad Pitt was campaigning for, and I don’t want this site to turn into a political battleground. I know Americans are very political-minded right now (and even as a Canadian, I am watching your election info very closely), but this isn’t the best place for it. Thanks for understanding!