Baltimore Ravens LB Brendon Ayanbadejo has emerged as one of the most articulate supporters of gay rights in professional sport. It was in September 2009 that Ayanbadejo wrote a pro-equality Huffington Post op-ed that asked. "If Britney Spears can party it up in Vegas with one of her boys and get married on a whim and annul her marriage the next day, why can’t a loving same sex couple tie the knot?"
As the marriage battle intensifies in Maryland, Equality Maryland released a video of Ayanbadejo encouraging Marylanders to join him in supporting equality.
Having the freedom to marry means committed couples and their children will have the same crucial protections under the law as other families. Churches can always have their beliefs, but government is supposed to treat everybody the same, and that’s equal. America is supposed to be the land of the free but in order for this to be true for all of us, then we must have the ability to marry whom we love regardless of their gender.
Ayanbadejo—who became an internet phenom due to a few strategically-placed accessories—was profiled by the Washington Post for his strong support of gay rights.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP ...
NOTE: The video must be resized by EqMD.
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Rod, thank you for featuring celebrities with looks, brawn, brains and a heart of gold!
God bless both of you!
Posted by: Distant Lover | 08 March 2011 at 17:06
He's a great ally! I wish he was still playing for the Bears.
Posted by: Jimbo! | 08 March 2011 at 22:48
Very proud he spoke out for justice regarding marriage that many straight folks take for granted. That's my RAVENS player and phine too...glad he is supporting EQUALITY FOR ALL. We are going to the Superbowl this year...go RAVENS!!
Posted by: BLACK | 09 March 2011 at 06:49
Ahh, the sweet memories of folks from Maryland and I'm not talking 'bout nobodys' seafood:)
Posted by: Troy | 09 March 2011 at 07:23
I'm trying to concentrate on this young man's integrity, courage, intelligence and inner beauty. I'm trying with every ounce of strength I have because I don't want to be disrespectful to a young man who is showing his respect for all people's civil rights. I just wish I could stop salivating at the mouth as I look at Mister Ayanbadejo's photograph.
Lord, help me to think clean thoughts....pleeeeeease.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 09 March 2011 at 09:58
I'm from D.C. so I was a redskins die hard fan but now i don't know i think i'ma have to go with the ravens this year.
Posted by: Logan | 09 March 2011 at 10:11
@ Distant Lover: Thank you so much. Thanks to everyone else for enjoying. -RM
Posted by: Rod Mc | 09 March 2011 at 16:21
Nice to have him in our corner
Posted by: thegayte-keeper | 13 March 2011 at 15:45