Schwarzenegger, speaking to a gathering of gay Republicans in San Diego, called the initiative to amend the California constitution "a total waste of time," the newspaper said, citing an audio recording of the governor's remarks.

Schwarzenegger has previously vetoed two bills passed by the California Assembly to allow same-sex marriage. He told a meeting of Log Cabin Republicans Friday he expected California voters to reject the ballot initiative "because I think that California people are much further along on that issue."

Schwarzenegger said he would "always be there to fight against that because it will never happen."

"I think we need a constitutional amendment so that foreign-born citizens can run for president, but not about gay marriage," he said.