Charlize Theron To Appear At Fresno Gay Marriage Rally

Academy Award winner Charlize Theron is scheduled to appear at a gay marriage rally in Fresno, California Saturday.

Gay activists will descend upon Fresno City Hall during the Meet in the Middle for Equality rally and march to protest the California Supreme Court's recent decision that upholds the constitutionality of a gay marriage ban, Proposition 8.

Theron, a longtime gay ally, announced earlier in the month her support for the rally – before the court ruled in favor of Prop. 8.

“We know the people whose lives are on the line – those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender – will be there,” Theron said in a letter released by the Courage Campaign announcing her participation in the rally.

“The battle for equality has to be fought in Middle America – In places like Fresno, California – not just in gay-friendly cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. California's Central Valley population is far more reflective of national attitudes towards LGBT equality – and until we engage the communities of Middle America, we will not achieve full equality in California.”

Rally organizer Robin McGehee agrees, saying Fresno's middle-town experience is more typical of California values and voters.

Theron was one of the first Hollywood stars to talk about Tuesday's court decision: “I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling on Prop. 8 today.”

“I don't agree with homophobia or discrimination of any kind,” Theron told Eonline. “I will continue to fight this fight for equality and speak up for the basic civil rights of all Americans.”