Golden Globes 2012: George Clooney Says Mitt Romney Is ‘on the Wrong Side of History’ on Gay Rights

After George Clooney accepted the Golden Globe for best actor, drama motion picture, for his work in The Descendants, he went backstage to talk to reporters and the conversation turned to the topic of politics.

Clooney, who stars as a presidential candidate in The Ides of March, has always been vocal about his political beliefs, and is a long-time supporter of marriage equality.

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When asked by reporters how he felt about the Republican presidential candidate field, he said, “I’m not much concerned until there’s an actual nominee.” That didn’t stop him from singling out candidate Mitt Romney’s views, saying what is playing out now is an extension of the civil rights movement. He added that he felt Romney is “on the wrong side of history” on gay rights issues. Romney has said that he is “in favor of traditional marriage” and against same-sex marriage.

In December, Clooney signed to star in the West Coast premiere of 8, a stage play chronicling the historic federal court trial overturning Proposition 8, the ballot measure that denied gay and lesbian Californians the right to marry. “It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-class citizens,” Clooney said. “I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people — like all human beings — are born equal in dignity and rights.” Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights in its national fight for marriage equality.

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Gay rights were a consistent topic in the press room backstage due to the presence of anti-gay protesters outside of the event.

After the cast of Modern Family accepted the Globe for best TV comedy, they were asked about the protesters’ presence.

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“America is a great place, speech is free and you’re able to expose the fact that you’re an idiot,” said Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron, the longtime partner to Jesse Tyler Ferguson‘s Mitchell on the show.

“I come from a long line of straight, white Republicans who don’t like people like this,” Julie Bowen said, motioning to the openly gay Ferguson. “But even they like this show. In country clubs all across America, the doors are cracking open.”