NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. --

The ladies of “The View” kept the conversation hot when singer Melissa Etheridge stopped by the ABC daytime chat fest Tuesday morning to talk about the fight for marriage equality.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck asked if Melissa felt the 2008 election was bittersweet with California’s passing of Proposition 8, which attempted to amend the state’s constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.

“To see human rights be up for a vote in Proposition 8, and to have people vote to take away rights, is to me, at the core, very un-American,” Melissa said. “It was very hard to see when it passed, and it passed by such a small number.”

Elisabeth inquired if the singer now felt more pessimistic about the future of gay rights and marriage equality.

“A huge outcry came out from it. I’m finally seeing people actually making the case for marriage equality everywhere, it’s not just just in the gay community,” Melissa explained.

Melissa went on to commend host Whoopi Goldberg’s comments regarding the issue and confronted Elisabeth about hers.

“I was saddened by your conversation,” Melissa said to Elisabeth. “I felt you mislead people,” referring to a previous discussion on the show about a priest who was put in jail for not marrying people.

Elisabeth explained they were simply discussing the different perspectives and view points.

Melissa stressed how those most affected by the passing of Prop 8 would be her children.

“It’s about equal protection under the law, my family, my children,” the singer told “The View” ladies.

“It should be equal.” Elisabeth chimed in.

A stunned Melissa asked Elisabeth, “So, you’re saying you’re for gay marriage?”

“For me it’s not a personal issue, it’s a legal issue,” Elisabeth explained. “I think it should come from the people, I don’t think that activist judges should be deciding what is right for the rest of the country.”

“So, you’re saying the majority should vote on the minority?” Melissa asked.

“Look, we’ve had mistakes in the past, I agree,” Elisabeth conceded.

Before the issue could really explode, Sherri interrupted, saying they were unfortunately out of time.

“Let’s have lunch and talk about it,” Elisabeth suggested, as the ladies shared a good laugh.

And despite their differences on the issue, the segment ended on a high note.

“But, I love you,” Melissa told Elisabeth

“I love you too,” Elisabeth added.

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!