George Clooney To Star in Marriage Equality Play

George Clooney will star in 8, a play by Dustin Lance Black adapted from transcripts of the historic trial for marriage equality in California, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-class citizens," Clooney says. "I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people -- like all human beings -- are born equal in dignity and rights."

Longtime equality advocate Rob Reiner will direct the one night only production March 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Other cast members are expected to be announced soon. Like the recent production in New York which starred Reiner and an all-star cast, the L.A. reading will also serve as a benefit for the American Foundation for Equal Rights in its national fight for marriage equality.

"This play will continue to show Americans -- one by one -- that prejudice and fear cannot stand up to truth and justice," says AFER Board president Chad Griffin. "Our Constitution neither knows nor tolerates the treatment of gays and lesbians as second-class citizens."