He may play one tough-as-nails detective on Law & Order: SVU, but Christopher Meloni is one big softy when it comes to love.

That's why he's speaking out in a new PSA supporting the right of gay couples everywhere to marry...

"I believe in love, in family and in fairness," Mariska Hargitay's crime-fighting costar says in a 30 second spot for the HRC's new political campaign. "That's why I'm a New Yorker for marriage equality."

Meloni join celebs like Julianne Moore, Lucy Liu, Whoopi Goldberg and Joan Rivers who have all lent their voices to the same cause, which fights for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state.

"Already, five states and the District of Columbia have marriage equality," Meloni says. "It's time for New York to lead again. Join me in supporting New Yorkers for Marriage Equality."

http://www.eonline.com/