Actor Brad Pitt wants to know what's so scary about gay marriage.

The 45-year-old Pitt made his comments during an interview in this weekend's Parade magazine.

“Can you believe that we're still fighting for equality in America? To be against marriage for everyone is utter discrimination.”

“It is an amazing thing that New York has finally gotten same-sex marriage. But the real problem is that the federal government hides behind states on this issue. It is blatant, ugly bigotry, and the federal government shouldn't be doing that. You're denying some Americans the right that all Americans have, to live their lives as they choose.”

“What are you so afraid of? That's my question. Gay people getting married? What is so scary about that? It's complicated. You grow up in a religion like that and you try to pray the gay away. I feel sadness for people like that. This is where people start short-circuiting – instead of being brave and questioning their beliefs, they are afraid and feel that they have to defend them.”

The issue is genuine for Pitt. In 2008, he donated $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, California's gay marriage ban.