Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt has promised to match up to $100,000 in donations to the Human Rights Campaign, the LGBT advocacy organization announced today.
HRC says it will use the funds in marriage battleground states Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington state.
“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,” HRC President Chad Griffin said today in a prepared statement. “With his commitment, Brad joins HRC in a tremendous coalition of religious leaders, business leaders, labor groups, civil rights organizations and everyday, fair-minded Americans supporting marriage for gay and lesbian couples.”
Pitt, in an email to HRC supporters, urged continued donations ahead of Tuesday's general election.
Proactive efforts got underway this month to allow gay couples to marry in at least three more states.
Democratic leaders in the New Jersey legislature announced Jan. 9 their intent to introduce a marriage equality bill. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D), a long-time supporter of rights for same-sex couples, announced Jan. 4 that she would introduce such a bill in her state.
And in Maryland, where a marriage equality bill passed the state Senate but not the House in March 2011, Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has said he will sponsor marriage legislation in 2012 and will take an active role in moving the bill forward this year. And Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) has indicated his chamber will shortly take action on such a measure.
Hint: None are in the Deep South