DeGeneres 'saddened' by gay marriage ban

Ellen DeGeneres has said she is "saddened" by the constitutional ban on same-sex marriages in California.

DeGeneres was among a host of celebrities who spoke out against the Proposition 8 amendment, which states: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognised in California."

The TV host said America had "taken a giant step toward equality" by electing Barack Obama, but took a "giant step away" with the Proposition 8 amendment, reports the BBC.

DeGeneres, who married former Ally McBeal star Portia de Rossi in August, said she will "continue to speak out for equality for all of us".

Brad Pitt donated $100,000 (£55,000) to the campaign to ensure that gay couples could continue to wed in the state, a cash boost matched by Steven Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in the state in May, with Star Trek actor George Takei and partner Brad Altman being among the first couples to marry. However, just over 52% of those who voted on Proposition 8 on Tuesday opposed May's Supreme Court ruling.

Takei said of the outcome: "It was astounding to think that the hard-won equality that made my recent marriage to Brad Altman [possible] would no longer be possible for others."