Brad Pitt Blames Marriage Inequality on "Blatant, Ugly Bigotry"

Brad Pitt says "blatant, ugly bigotry" is the reason the U.S. doesn't have federal marriage equality, according to an interview with this weekend's Parade magazine.

Pitt, who as far back as 2006 has insisted that he and longtime partner Angelina Jolie won't get married until same-sex couples are legally allowed to, again expresses his disbelief that the struggle for marriage equality in America is ongoing. "To be against marriage for everyone is utter discrimination," he says, while promoting his latest film Moneyball. "I feel strongly about that because if equality of marriage doesn't happen now, the next generation will have to deal with it."

The actor reveals he finds it amazing that New York legalized same-sex marriage. "But the real problem is that the federal government hides behind states on this issue," Pitt says. "It is blatant, ugly bigotry, and the federal government shouldn't be doing that. You're denying some Americans the right that all Americans have, to live their lives as they choose."

Pitt then continues to question the motive for people who don't support full equality for all citizens and wonders about the role religion plays in the decision. "What are you so afraid of?" he asks. "That's my question. Gay people getting married? What is so scary about that? It's complicated. You grow up in a religion like that and you try to pray the gay away. I feel sadness for people like that. This is where people start short-circuiting -- instead of being brave and questioning their beliefs, they are afraid and feel that they have to defend them."