CHARLIZE THERON - THERON DEFENDS GAY MARRIAGE

OSCAR-nominated actress CHARLIZE THERON has spoken out in favour of gay marriage, branding those like ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER who oppose it "prehistoric".

The MONSTER star, who grew up around a number of gay and bisexual people in her native South Africa, is appalled that gay marriage is still up for debate in this day and age.

Theron, currently dating Irish actor STUART TOWNSEND, says, "I just don't understand that at all. It's so unbelievably frustrating.

"I mean, I am surrounded by so many beautiful relationships just in my life, I can't tell you - just so inspirational. And the fact that what the sex is (of someone you love) is an issue is just unbelievable to me.

"I mean, love is such a hard f**king thing - to find somebody who's willing to go through anything with you and stand by you that, on its own, is so hard to find.

"The fact that people want to complicate it even more just absolutely baffles me. If it happens, cherish it! What does it matter if you're sharing it with a man or with a woman? It's very strange to me."

Over the weekend (22FEB04) actor-turned-California Governor Schwarzenegger ordered officials in San Francisco to stop their new practice of granting gay wedding licences.