Clint Eastwood Signs Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Brief
Actor Clint Eastwood has reportedly signed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state.
The brief, which is due to be released later this evening, was also signed by a group of lesser-known Republicans, most of whom identify as moderate or liberal and who currently do not hold a political office.
Eastwood has previously spoken on the topic of gay marriage, telling GQ Magazine in October 2011:
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"We're making a big deal out of things we shouldn't be making a deal out of ... Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want."
Eastwood is described as a "long-time Republican with strong libertarian leanings," according to conservative website Breitbart News, which first broke the story that Eastwood had signed the brief.
As Breitbart contends, Eastwood has become increasingly vocal in politics recently.
In late August 2012, Eastwood earned national attention when he spoke at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., prior to the November presidential election between GOP nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama.
Eastwood's unorthodox speech featured him speaking to an empty chair, meant to represent President Barack Obama.
The speech quickly gained widespread media attention, and although many characterized it as being eccentric, others argued that it served as a defining, memorable moment of the convention.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding California's Proposition 8 case beginning March 26, and Thursday marks the last day for briefs to be filed in the case.
The case revolves around the 2008 California ballot initiative supported by state voters that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.
Former Utah governor and presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, former California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, former George W. Bush national security adviser Stephen Hadley, and former George W. Bush Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez are among the other Republicans who have reportedly signed the amicus brief being filed later today.
Those supporting California's Proposition 8 have also signed briefs, including pro-traditional marriage group Minnesota for Marriage and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Supreme Court will also hear this term a case which challenges the Defense of Marriage Act, which on a federal level defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.
