BRAD PITT DONATES $100,000 TOWARDS GAY MARRIAGE RIGHTS

As citizens of four US states prepare to vote on gay marriage, Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to support the Human Rights Campaign’s efforts to legalise same-sex marriage in the US.

Pitt agreed to match contributions from the organisation’s members and supporters up to $100,000 to bolster marriage equality campaigns entering their final week in the states of Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington.

Voters in those states will, on the same day as the US presidential election on November 6, have their say on allowing or barring same-sex marriage.

Right-wing and conservative religious coalitions opposed to same-sex marriage as well as groups for marriage equality have spent millions of dollars campaigning around the issue.

“It’s unbelievable to me that people’s lives and relationships are literally being voted on in a matter of days,” said Pitt in an email to HRC. “If you’re like me, you don’t want to have to ask yourself on the day after the election, what else could I have done?”

HRC, America’s largest LGBT civil rights organisation, welcomed the star’s generous donation.

“Brad Pitt’s partnership with HRC in this closing week delivers vital resources into these campaigns and we’re proud to be working with him as we show that fundamental fairness will win at the ballot box,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

“With his commitment, Brad joins HRC in a tremendous coalition of religious leaders, business leaders, labour groups, civil rights organisations and everyday, fair-minded Americans supporting marriage for gay and lesbian couples.”

Pitt has been an active supporter of the LGBT community. In 2008 he donated $100,000 towards the campaign against California’s Proposition 8, which barred same-sex marriage in California. He and his partner Angelina Jolie previously vowed to not get married until same-sex marriage was legalised in the US.