Carrie Underwood has come out in favor of legalizing gay marriage.

The 29-year-old Underwood, who won American Idol in 2005, made a strong statement in support of equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples in an interview with UK's The Independent.

“As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love and want to marry,” Underwood said. “I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love.”

The popular country singer, who was raised a Baptist but worships with her husband in a non-denominational church, has frequently spoken and sang about the importance of her Christian faith.

“Our church is gay-friendly,” Underwood explained. “Above all, God wanted us to love others. It's not about setting rules, or 'everyone has to be like me.' No. We're all different. That's what makes us special. We have to love each other and get on with each other.”

“It's not up to me to judge anybody.”