Actress Olympia Dukakis speaks out in support of gay rights

Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis has spoken out in support of gay rights. Watch below.

In a new interview, the Greek-American actress, 82, expressed her support for Cyprus’ first ever gay pride parade, which is set to take place on May 31.

Cypriot officials have said they will support the event – but the Church of Cyprus has condemned it, describing homosexuality as “a degradation and a sickness”.

In an interview with the Greek Reporter, Dukakis said of equal rights for LGBT people:

“Even asking the question, ‘should they have the right’ is offensive. Even asking the question, even thinking that another human being has to ask for that, bothers me. We have a short period of time here and to be deprived of anything – out of what people consider religious principles – is repugnant.”

She continued: “Just keep going forward. Keep asserting who you are, what you want. Look at the changes. Who would have expected what’s happening now where things are now. Stay the course.”

Dukakis is most famous for her Oscar-winning role in 1988’s Moonstruck, playing opposite Cher, as well as her portrayal of Armistead Maupin’s iconic character Anna Madrigal in the Tales of the City TV series.

Watch Dukakis speaking about gay rights below:

[youtube height=”350″ width=”665″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ds9P0ZLs84[/youtube]

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