Best Actor Sean Penn courageously defends equal rights for gays in his Acceptance

Sean Penn took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading role Sunday night, Penn won the award for his role as Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant's 'Milk'. The Oscar was the second of two awarded to 'Milk'.
The outspoken activist won for playing an outspoken activist and, true to form, he quickly changed his tone and took the opportunity to make a political statement in support of marriage equality.

"For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think its a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the great shame in their grandchildrens eyes if they continue that way of support, Penn said to a big ovation. Weve got to have equal rights for everyone".

Dustin Lance Black's emotional Oscar Acceptance Speech for Original Screenplay for his work on MILK can be read below.

"Oh my God. This was, um, this was not an easy film to make. First off, I have to thank Cleve Jones and Anne Kronenberg and all the real-life people who shared their stories with me. And, um, Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco and our entire cast, my producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, everyone at Groundswell and Focus for taking on the challenge of telling this life-saving story.

When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married.

I wanna thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he'd want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally, across this great nation of ours.

Thank you. Thank you. And thank you, God, for giving us Harvey Milk".
Dustin Lance Black not the first openly gay person to accept an Oscar, nor is he the first to mention gay people (remember Tom Hanks for "Philadelphia"), but he certainly has had the most impact and is now catapulted to the forefront of the gay rights movement.

redheadedgreengirl (47 minutes ago)

Thanks for posting this so quickly! I am glad that Sean won! There were many good performers but few that have devoted so much of their life to fighting for people who need a stronger voice from issue of poverty to gay rights sean has always lend his voice in an intelligent way. I am full of love for all and know that eqaulity and love for all will prevail.

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[swarmis]

@Xiolablu3 I never made a blanket statement like that "reproduction feelings are sin". if you read the thread, you'll understand the context. For example, if you're having "reproduction feelings" for a child, or a woman other than you're wife, it would behoove you to recognize those feelings as "wrong", and reject the impulse. If you think that any impulse is worthy of responding to, than you are the one who has some major issues in your "soul and mind". Use your brain.

[Xiolablu3]

@swarmis Reproduction feelings are a sin? Since when?  how f*cked up is your soul and mind?

[swarmis]

@rumours77 I think that's the philosophy in Islam, but unfortunately the problem of lust doesn't exist because of clothing.The problem is in me, and you, and anyone because of the sin nature that we all inherited.But I agree that clothing helps avoid lust to a degree. Also I dont like Churches that dont address this issue while the women and girls are dressed like they're goin clubbin, with booty shorts with (juicy) on em n stuff. When I see those juicy shorts, I think juicy=diahrea. It helps.

[rumours77]

@swarmis

The state can easily monitor "the lust of the flesh". All they have to do is make it illegal for women (and I guess, men) to walk around in public half-naked. Make sure you are covered from head to toe, and boom!! No more lust. The only time divorce is legit (according to the Book of 1st Corinthians) is in the event of Adultery. No Adultery, No Divorce.

100% against Fornication?? Cool.....make it illegal.

[swarmis]

@rumours77 Well that's inconsistant with your previous comment. But I would agree with that in a general sense, however, it's pretty hard for the state to monitor "lust of the flesh", and there are some circumstances when divorce is legit. As far as fornication and adultery go, 100% wrong 100% of the time. (in my opinion) Sadly it seems like more and more politicians, and lawmakers are guilty of all of the above. The governator is a classic example.

[rumours77]

@swarmis

No, but I also believe that fornication, adultery, divorce, ans the lust of the flesh should be ilegal as well.

[swarmis]

@rumours77 So if I understand you correctly, you believe that there should not be any parameters on marriage. So it's cool for polygamy, adults and kids, humans and animals, etc. Hopefully this helps you to understand why the state gets involved.

[rumours77]

@swarmis

The definition of MY marriage: None of your business.

The definition of your multiple marriages, divorces, and unmarried sex partners: None of MY business.

The definition of "Freedom"?? Go find something to do that doesn't involve sitting around the house all day worrying about who other people are getting married to.

I don't care what the bible says. Don't waste your breath, nor my time.

[PenelopevonIthaka]

@rumblefishism

If there was a God, he'd be ashamed of people like you.

[reflectivelife]

@swarmis You really don't get it, do you? Truly?