Miss California joins political group

Miss California Carrie Prejean has helped the National Organisation for Marriage launch a new campaign against non-traditional unions.

The beauty queen appeared at a rally for the group in Washington DC, telling the Today Show that she was there "to protect traditional marriage".

"I was attacked for giving my own opinion on stage at the Miss USA contest. I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect marriage," E! quotes her as saying. "It is something that is very dear to my heart and I'm just here to protect it, that's all I'm going to do."

Prejean also responded to criticism about using her Miss California title to speak out on the divisive issue, saying: "I think this is a huge issue right now. People are very passionate of this issue.

"I think regardless of our opinions, we just need to respect each other when we disagree. It's all about respect."

The organisers of the Miss California pageant have issued a statement expressing their disappointment with Prejean's involvement in politics, saying that no title-holder has ever "committed her face and voice to a more divisive or polarizing issue".

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