Celebrities come out in support of gay marriage

LOS ANGELES — For weeks, Hollywood had been criticized for not contributing enough to defeat a ballot initiative in California that would ban same-sex marriage. Now, members of the film and TV industries are sweeping in to preserve gays’ right to get hitched. Maybe they were planning for a Hollywood ending all along?

After news of Proposition 8’s supporters outraising its opponents spread and the measure gained support in public opinion polls, many Hollywood insiders have made declarations of support — financial and otherwise — against the ban. While the ‘‘No on 8’’ campaign hasn’t quite reached the buzziness of other celebrity causes du jour, momentum is growing.

‘‘The entertainment industry is obviously an important donor base,’’ said Chad Griffin, a political strategist for the campaign. ‘‘It’s an industry that’s often stood up against discrimination. This particular initiative writes discrimination into the constitution. I think it’s something most fair-minded people, celebrities or otherwise, are outraged about.’’

Leading the Hollywood outreach is Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen, who wed art consultant Gabriel Catone in a ceremony officiated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in June. The ‘‘American Beauty’’ and ‘‘Pushing Daisies’’ producer dug deep into his contacts to ask for their support against the initiative. Cohen’s biggest get? Stephen Spielberg.

‘‘Stephen’s been an incredible supporter of me, both personally and professionally, so I called him and told him how much this has meant to me and Gabe,’’ said Cohen, who worked with the director on ‘‘The Color Purple’’ in 1985. ‘‘When he told me that he and Kate Capshaw were giving a $100,000 contribution, I was so moved and thankful.’’

Celebrities come out in support of gay marriage
Chicago Sun-Times, United States -