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Bruce Springsteen Speaks Out for Gay Marriage

  • Posted on Dec 9th 2009 10:00AM by John D. Luerssen
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Bruce Springsteen has declined an invitation to appear at the inauguration of New Jersey's Republican Governor-elect Christopher Christie next month. According to the New York Times, Springsteen, a longstanding Democrat who went to bat last year for President Barack Obama, told Christie's camp through his handlers that "he doesn't want to get involved in state politics."

Despite that position, Springsteen -- a Garden State native and supporter of outgoing Governor John Corzine -- made an official statement this week in support of gay marriage in the state. "Like many of you who live in New Jersey, I've been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton," Springsteen wrote on his website. "I've long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples and fully agree with Governor Corzine when he writes that, 'The marriage-equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law.' 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."

For Christie, an ardent fan who claims to have attended 122 Springsteen shows, the rock icon's polite rejection can hardly come as a surprise. Bruce has been an outspoken liberal for decades, once objecting to Ronald Reagan's mention of his name on the 1984 campaign trail. Still that didn't stop Christie's stock-trading brother Todd from getting word to Bruce's manager Jon Landau that he would make a donation of the rocker's choosing if he performed. Instead, Christie's inauguration will feature the long running Springsteen tribute act, the B Street Band, known to play the bar mitzvah, birthday and club circuits.

In related Springsteen news, the autopsy of the rocker's cousin, Lenny Sullivan, 36, who died in October and prompted the cancellation of the E Street Band's Sprint Center concert, was released yesterday in Kansas City. It revealed that Sullivan, who was an assistant tour manager in charge of luggage for the band and crew, died from acute amphetamine and heroin intoxication.

10 Musicians Share Their Coming Out Stories
  • Filed under: News, Politics as Usual
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Paul

Jeremy, lhguitardude and Kira. You guys need to wake up and smell the roses. The bible also states that man should not lie with another woman if he is married and vice versa. This is called "ADULTERY". Adultery is so common amongst the straight community. It is you guys that are ruining the "Definition" of MARRIAGE!!! Not the gay people.

December 11 2009 at 7:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Someone with Sense

Here's my take on the many posts on this subject. I see much dissension, which is expected. However, I'm not convinced that any of you are truly upset with the person whom this headline is about; Bruce Springsteen, but rather you just see this as another opportunity to speak your beliefs. Speaking your beliefs is great. I believe everyone should have the chance to do so, whether I am in agreement with them or not. This being said, since Bruce Springsteen is a human, just like all of us (though I can hardly tell by some of your comments, that you're truly human), I think he is without a doubt entitled to speak his opinion. So, please, stop hating because his beliefs are in conflict with yours or because you don't think he's a talented musician. Just respect his thoughts, regardless of what yours are, and leave it at that. We all can be so ignorant at times. We may all come in and go out of this world the same way, and we may all bleed red, but none of us are meant to be exactly alike. Just give it a rest. This is an issue of importance, but with all issues of importance, there is bound to be varied opinions. That's life, and we all have to deal with it. However, I think the way we have all dealt with this so far is preposterous. We should all be ashamed of ourselves. Yes, I strongly believe that gay marriage should be legal. I do not believe in forcing people to not love, be with and marry those that they wish to. I believe it ruins the sanctity of freedom, the one thing we pride our country on. But, with that said, I know many of you do not agree with me, and I think that's fine. Just respect my opinion. Respect the opinions of all, and I'm sure, even though opinions and beliefs will be in conflict, the respect will be returned for you. That being said, this discussion is moot. We can all keep fighting or we can let Bruce Springsteen have his piece, we can say ours and then be done with it. I hope we can all be rational soon, because times are changing, and if we don't, we'll all be left behind.

December 10 2009 at 11:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Joe

Who cares what Mr. Springsteen thinks about gay marriage? For that matter, who cares what any "star," musician or actor, has to say about gay marriage. Do they actually believe their own press and fame to think that because they have some fame they are authority subjects on the matter? What gives him status over any other New Jersey-an with an opinion on the subject? Let's hear what John Q. Public has to say. Oh wait, maybe we did when they voted for Christie.

December 09 2009 at 10:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
c2

jleamer...you proved me to be right. If one disagrees with the gay lifestyle...the gay folks will, 100% of the time, insist that person must be gay. Just because you are 'out' does not mean I'm 'in' the closet.

December 09 2009 at 9:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
lou l

this is straight from the hip. i'm straight, NOW!! whether one is straight or gay is no one elses business,
just as the career each pick, no different then or partners. No one has the right to judge anyone other than yourself, take a good look at your self and your short coming(NOT PRETTY) HUH, THAT IS WHY YOUR JUDGING OTHERS.What does the bible say about judging?? wHAT IS IMPORTANT? focus your energy on sending illegals back to there own country or become citzens, to contribute to our economy instead of drawing off us (free loading)think of way off creating jobs , or, helping out the
poor. Do something constructive besides running off at the mouth ( it doesen't take brains to be negitive only stupidity.
I'm not so proud of straight folk right now, this is why-- who is killing our babies and children? (straight folks) who is molesting our children (mostly straight folks) who is murdering females (straight males) Just a little food for thought before you open your mouth again
lou

December 09 2009 at 8:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Biff2345

It surprises no one!

Springsteen is anti-American!
Anti-Cop!
Anti- Soldier!
Cheats on his wife.
Can't carry a tune
Is brainwashed by the Gays
and Pro terrorists!

December 09 2009 at 8:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Maybe Springsteen is a closet queer. When he calls Clarence Clemons "The Big man" he's not talking about his hight or weight. Bruce does have that treasure trail on his chin.

December 09 2009 at 8:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
john

They ALREADY DID that Bob Smith...ON THE MAYFLOWER!!!

December 09 2009 at 8:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
bondjamesbond

Now maybe Bruce can marry Bono and live happily ever after.
He'll also be able to take a dump in about 5 seconds.

December 09 2009 at 8:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Gary K

I wish someone would put braces on Springsteen's teeth and then weld his mouth shut!

December 09 2009 at 8:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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