Charlize Theron Speaks Up for Marriage Equality - Urges Everyone to "Meet in the Middle"

Academy Award-winning actor Charlize Theron has backed up her recent and powerful statement comparing laws against same-sex marriage to apartheid with a call to everyone, particularly straight allies, to rally for marriage equality.

In an email blast through the Courage Campaign, Charlize urges, "We need to take a stand for equality. All of us. On the Saturday after the California Supreme Court rules to either uphold or overturn Proposition 8. In Fresno, the heartland of California.

"We know the people whose lives are on the line -- those who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender -- will be there. But we need everyone there. Especially straight people."

The talented actor has a long and impressive history in the progressive social movement. Born in Benoni, South Africa, Charlize witnessed the death of her alcoholic father when her mother was forced to shoot him in self-defense when she was only 15.

Such painful memories not only has given the successful artist deep emotional ties to those who suffer from lack of rights, she has also turned such pain into a productive drive to change the inequalities in the world.

Theron keeps actively involved in women's rights organizations as well as marching for abortion rights, animal rights and has recently appeared in a PETA ad for their anti-puppy mill campaign.

Remarkably, she has taken a vow not to marry until same-sex couples can have their relationships recognized. She has continued her outspoken support for marriage equality with her call for everyone to meet in Fresno, CA the Saturday after the Supreme Court rules on Prop 8 to show support for not just the LGBT population, but equal rights for all.

"This isn't just about California. It's about America," she says in her email. "This isn't just about marriage. It's about human rights."

Join Charlize in the call for equal rights. Go to Meet in the Middle!