Patrick Stewart: ‘gay marriage makes the world a fairer place’
British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has applauded England for its progressive attitude in legalising same-sex marriage, but has called on governments around the world to take steps towards full equality for the LGBT community.
The X-Men and Star Trek star told The Huffington Post while the English Labour party was in “disarray” and had some work to do, the nation as a whole had demonstrated “fantastic” work by legalising same-sex marriage.
“There are places where we are taking one step forward, although at other times we are taking two paces back, and gay marriage and the legalising of gay marriage and, not only that, but the endorsement that even our Prime Minister [David Cameron] has given to it, is fantastic,” said Stewart.
“In that respect, the world is becoming increasingly a more fair, a more truly democratic place to live, and I’m proud to have campaigned on with Ian [McKellen] those issues.”
Stewart’s comments follow on just days after the Australian Coalition led by Tony Abbott voted to block its MPs from having a free vote on same-sex marriage reforms.
“I wish that politicians would spend more time watching Star Trek: The Next Generation, because unlike my predecessor, Captain James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard believed first and foremost in negotiation,” said Stewart.
“He was diplomat before he was a warrior. Talk, talk, talk, and keep on talking, and I think that would be a great message for the world to absorb.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who openly supports same-sex marriage, signed a bill legalising same-sex marriages in England in 2013, with the first marriages taking place last year on March 29.
Words by TROY NANKERVIS.
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