Anne Hathaway, Jane Lynch urge Obama to support gay marriage

Anne Hathaway.

/ Getty

(CBS/AP) The message from Anne Hathaway, Jane Lynch, Martin Sheen and others stars, is, "Say, 'I do' Mr. President."

They're among a group of actors, athletes and business leaders urging President Barack Obama to support marriage rights for same-sex couples.

The New York-based group Freedom to Marry said that R&B singer Mya, NFL linebacker Scott Fujita and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey also signed an open letter calling on the president to back gay marriage.

On Freedom to Marry's website, more names are on the list, including musician Rufus Wainwright, entertainment mogul David Geffen and Zynga founder Mark Pincus.

Mr. Obama has said he supports civil unions as an alternative to marriage for gays and lesbians, and his views on the subject are evolving. His administration announced this month that it would no longer defend the federal law barring government recognition of same-sex unions.

Freedom to Marry says several couples plan to deliver the letter to the White House in the spring.

[rini10]

I am not gay. Iam not against gay marriages when it comes to them keeping their partners assets. But when it comes to tax breaks, insurance breaks,and social security benefits forget it. I am not in favor of married people getting tax breaks,etc. At one time when the spouse stayed at home to raise the kids but know most spouses work. Here is my gripe I am single when the company I worked for added same sex partners to the insurance my benefits went down and co-payments went up same for car insurance etc. I am tired of paying for someone else if you want eight kids than you pay for them not me If you are married that your pay for that not me. Its bad enugh I have to pay for the dead beats in the society. Also supposly most writher are gay so if I was a tv star that depends on them to write me good lines so I can keep my job I would support them. The gay have a strong lobby and control a lot of votes so the politicians will do anything to get the votes.(but we all knew that not whats good for america but what gets me votes repule a cans and the dem o rats.) So middle class get out in vote thats why we are getting the shaft

[cameraphone]

Yes, America has much more important things to do now than grant more freedom to people.

[freeamerica31]

I agree Gays should have the right to marry. It's a personal choice to marry and who it is you love is again your personal choice. If Gays truly consumate, then it's a perverse sexual act going against nature. How come these celebrities didn't sign a letter requesting that Pologomy be recognized? Pologomy has more legality than Gay Marriage since it is between man and women or vice versa (politically correct) and it's part of the Mormon Religion. Celebrities don't forget to include those who wish to marry their animals....don't discriminate against Lassie! PETA Rules!

[Nmmrng]

The country has real problems and this is what they bug the president about. Of course, might as well worry about this since he isn't doing anything else. Maybe running the White House board for March madness. Other than that, he has left everything just as Bush wanted it.

[usunus]

All celebrities should enter into same-sex marriages before they advise anybody else to do it.

[cbsblogger]

While the USA has been purposely robbed, raped, and plundered by the financial elites and NYC money people - the politicians, media and celebrities bring up these issues intended to keep the sheeple infighting, instead of focusing anger at those who caused it all.

[smitvict]

instead of focusing anger at those who caused it all

Yea, Obama, Pelosi, Reed!!!

[mrleme]

Give me a break! I despise it when "celebrities" give their self-absorbed opinion on politics etc. I wish they would be quite and do their job that they get so handsomely paid!

[rini10]

look at oprah she is rich and talks about the poor in the U.S. (where she got most of her money) so what does she do she opens a girls school in africa.when the celebs give all their money up then i will listen to them. but till than quit trying to take my money for you stupid causes

[afloatinasea]

The lawyers can't wait for this to happen.

[bundye]

Mr. President..DO NOT follow the wrong crowd. Uphold the moral fiber of what this country was based upon. The end times are upon us...do what's right!!!!

[daffy64]

Yes. Do what's right. Defend liberty for all.

[smitvict]

Follow the moral fiber of the bible - arranged marriages, dowry, concubines, NO divorce (except for adultery by the woman), woman as chattel. Don't forget multiple wives!

[daffy64]

1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.