Mo’Nique Joins Americans for Marriage Equality Campaign

Academy Award-winning actress Mo'Nique contributes a video to the Americans for Marriage Equality campaign, a nationwide public education initiative from the Human Rights Campaign.

"I believe since we've all been given free will, let's use our will to let others be free," says the Precious star and talk show host. "Gay and lesbian couples, they believe in commitment, family and love. If you don't believe me, did you happen to notice that all that's being asked for is the right to be married, which ironically promotes commitment, family and love? Join me and support marriage equality. It's the right thing to do."

Mo'Nique hails from Maryland, where Governor Martin O'Malley has pledged to make marriage equality a priority in the 2012 legislative session. The bill passed the senate last year but failed to come to a vote in the house of delegates, where some attributed the block to opposition from African-American lawmakers with influential religious constituencies.

The Americans for Marriage Equality campaign launched last week with a video from Newark Mayor Cory Booker. The campaign aims to raise national awareness as the fight for marriage equality expands to multiple fronts, including courts, legislatures and voting booths, in the coming year. According to HRC, themed videos are planned including Republicans for Marriage Equality, African-Americans for Marriage Equality, Latinos for Marriage Equality, and Elected Officials for Marriage Equality.