Carrie Underwood Comes Out In Support Of Same-Sex Marriage

Carrie Underwood is the latest public figure to come out in support of gay marriage. Joining the likes of Jay-Z, Snooki and JWoww
 and the Wanted
 the country superstar told England's The Independent that she believes same-sex couples should have the same rights as she does.

"As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry," she said. "I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."

The paper noted that Underwood, who has just released a new album Blown Away
 has a large Evangelical Christian fanbase and has spoken frequently about her faith, making it the subject of one of her biggest hits, "Jesus, Take The Wheel."

She told the paper that her liberal attitude about same-sex marriage is actually a result of her Christian values, not in conflict with them.

"Our church is gay friendly," said Underwood, 29, who was raised as Baptist, a denomination that tends to condemn homosexual behavior, but who now worships in a non-denominational congregation with hockey-player husband Mike Fisher. "Above all, God wanted us to love others. It's not about setting rules, or [saying] 'everyone has to be like me'. No. We're all different. That's what makes us special. We have to love each other and get on with each other. It's not up to me to judge anybody."

Underwood's comments come in the midst of a presidential campaign in which gay marriage is likely to be a hot-button issue. President Barack Obama
 recently said that he personally supports same-sex unions while rival Republican Mitt Romney has spoken out against gay marriage.