Bruce Springsteen Joins Pro-Gay Marriage Marketing Campaign
Grammy Award-winning artist Bruce Springsteen has stepped up his support for same-sex marriage by starring in a new campaign seeking to change the traditional definition of marriage in four states in the upcoming November elections.
In his ad for "The Four 2012," a pro-gay marriage initiative seeking to influence people in Maine, Maryland, Washington and Minnesota to vote in favor of same-sex marriage, Springsteen is quoted as saying: "I couldn't agree more with that statement and urge those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard now." The musician references a statement made by former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, who said that marriage is "a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law."
The Four 2012 co-founder Brian Ellner said to USA Today that this media push with Springsteen on board was needed to garner further support for their cause. "We have never won one of these votes of the people. This is really a moment to make a statement," he said.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The marriage equality group noted that in the four states they are campaigning, opinion polls have shown that people are leaning in favor of changing the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman to include same-sex couples, with Minnesota being an exception.
Earlier this year, a Gallup Poll found that Americans are almost evenly split on whether gay marriage should be legalized. Fifty percent have said that it should become legal – much like President Barack Obama said in May, but 48 percent remain supportive of the traditional definition of marriage.
Meanwhile, a Minnesota group petitioning to pass a constitutional amendment that would solidify the traditional definition of marriage has said that it will be launching two TV ads leading up to the final weeks when voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
"We are certain our ads will help Minnesotans understand the importance of preserving marriage in our constitution," said John Helmberger, chairman of Minnesota for Marriage.
"Our ads ask an important question: 'Who should decide the definition marriage.' Like most Minnesotans, we think it should be the people, not judges or politicians. In fact, right now there is a court case pending in Hennepin County through which same-sex couples are asking judges to redefine marriage. Powerful legislators want to do the same thing. If they succeed, voters will have lost their say," he said.
One of the upcoming Minnesota ads says: "Marriage is more than a commitment between two loving people. It was made by God, for the creation and care of the next generation."
