Ian McKellen's gay PM prediction

Sir Ian McKellen thinks Britain will one day have a gay Prime Minister.

The openly homosexual actor believes it is only a matter of time before Britain has a leader who does not hide his sexuality, because the number of gay politicians is constantly growing.

He told Seven magazine: "I think openly gay politicians are the standard, rather than not, in all parties these days. Eventually it's very likely that one of them will become a leader. We've already had one or two gay Prime Ministers."

Sir Edward Heath, who was a Conservative party Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974, has been the subject of rumours about his sexuality with some reports claiming he was told to stop cruising for gay sex in the 50s, many years before he became leader.

McKellen, 69, was delighted when the new US President, Barack Obama, mentioned gay voters in his victory speech.

The 'Lord of the Rings' star added: "I know a lot of gay people were touched when Obama mentioned them in his acceptance speech, and he probably will in his inauguration as well. That is a big symbolic change. Those who don't like it will just have to lump it."

However, he is disappointed that Proposition 8 - a constitutional amendment which outlaws same-sex marriage - was passed in California, because it is a huge step back for gay rights.

McKellen said: "I think if the President-Elect had made it clear he did not approve of Proposition 8, perhaps things might have gone differently. But the tide comes in and the tide goes out, and then it comes in a bit further, and that's how it works."

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