Brad Pitt says every American should have the right to marry whoever they want.

The Hollywood actor – who raises six children, Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, with partner Angelina Jolie – is pleased New York State has legalised same-sex marriage and now wants the rest of the US to follow suit.

He said: “It is encouraging that New York has joined the movement to grant equal marriage rights to its citizens. But it is each American’s Constitutional right to marry the person they love, no matter what state they inhabit.

“No state should decide who can marry and who cannot. Thanks to the tireless work of so many, someday soon this discrimination will end and every American will be able to enjoy their equal right to marriage.”

Brad – who was once married to Jennifer Aniston – has previously said he won’t wed Angelina until gay marriage is legal everywhere.

He said: “I have love in my life, a soul mate – absolutely. When someone asked me why Angie and I don’t get married, I replied, ‘Maybe we’ll get married when it’s legal for everyone else.’

“I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it – hate mail from religious groups. They say gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I’ve had the privilege of seeing my gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment.”