Jay-Z On Same Sex Marriage Laws: "They Hold America Back" - Video

15 May 2012, 16:17 | Updated: 15 May 2012, 16:41

The husband of Beyonce supports president Barack Obama's recent comments on the issue.

Jay-Z has said US laws against same sex marriage are holding America back.

The 'Run This Town' rapper, who is married to Beyonce, said he support president Barack Obama's recent decision to publicly speak out against the laws.

"I've always thought it as something that's still holding the country back," Jay-Z said during an interview with CNN.

"What people do in their homes is their business. You choose to love whoever you love - that's their business. It's no different than discriminating against blacks."

When asked whether he believed Barack would lose votes over his stance, Jay-Z replied: "I think it's the right thing to do, so whether they cost him votes or not... it's not about votes, it's about people.

"I think it's the right thing to do as a human being."

The issue of gay marriage has become one of the key issues at the centre of the upcoming American presidential elections.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z revealed recently that he wants Barack Obama to perform at his forthcoming music festival in America.

Watch Jay-Z talking about same sex marriage laws in the US: