Former California Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger on Friday criticized politicians for not having “the
balls” to lead on issues such as gay marriage.
Schwarzenegger, who served two terms as
governor ending in 2011, applauded the recent Supreme Court ruling
declaring that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry
in all 50 states.
“When it comes to the Supreme Court,
I'm very happy that they made the right decision on that, because we,
in California, we're always a step ahead,” he said during a press
conference for Terminator: Genisys. “We made the decision
already a long time ago.”
“Everyone has equal rights. So this
is the right way to go, and I think it's a great celebration of
America.”
In comments to PEOPLE, he
added: “Sometimes, I have to say that the judges and judiciary
system makes better decisions that the politicians. Sadly, that they
are not having the balls sometimes to lead and work together on those
issues.”
During his 8 years in office,
Schwarzenegger, a Republican, twice vetoed legislation approved by
lawmaker allowing gay couples to marry.