11/06/2008
Prop 8 Opponents to Hold 2 PM Action at L.A.'s Mormon Temple
Leading supporters of marriage equality will hold a news conference at 2 pm today in front of the Mormon Temple in the Westwood area of Los Angeles (at the corner of Selby and Santa Monica Blvd) in response to the Mormon church’s leading role in the deceptive advertising campaign for Proposition 8. Lorri L. Jean, CEO, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, Jorge Valencia, Executive Director, Point Foundation , and Rev. Neil Thomas, Metropolitan Community Church will speak.
In related news, another group has begun an online petition to Arnold Schwarzenegger over the issue. Over 60,000 have signed as of this posting.
Posted 2:04 PM EST by Andy Towle in California, Gay Marriage, Mormon, News | Permalink
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This whole misguided rally typifies why YES ON 8 passed... the two organizations (EQ CA and NO ON that screwed up our civil rights progress through their bungling with the campaign and millions and millions of dollars are cheered at a rally while the lemmings of West Hollywood go to protest against the Mormons who did EXACTLY what anyone who knew what they were doing at EQ CA or NO ON 8 should have predicted.
63% of Californians voted for civil rights for farm animals. Living conditions, quality of life, and health standards are now the right of every chicken, pig, cow, and sheep in the state of CA. Yet, as the rest of the votes are counted I predict that 55% of those same Californians voted YES on Prop 8 to protect their children.
The Mormons and the rest did EXACTLY what they've always done - at least they're honest and forthright about their lies and the extent they'll go to crush us. The FAILURE is squarely on the 5 key individuals from EQ CA and NO ON 8 who hijacked those campaigns for their own self-promotion, wasted millions and millions of dollars in misguided and misinformed marketing, while locking out qualified, experienced, and proven professionals.
THESE FIVE KEY PEOPLE (from EQ California and NO ON PROP MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for derailing, once again, the progress of civil rights for gays and lesbians for their own personal gain. They take their incompetence from one gay/lesbian organization or campaign to the next leaving a trail of failure and financial ruin in their paths.
Forget the Mormons - all they'll do is use the protest to further their cause. Rally against EQ CA and NO ON PROP 8!
Posted by: David B. | Nov 6, 2008 2:19:37 PM
Stop comparing this to the damn farm animals. They did not get the right to marry, and we did not lose the right to not be systematically bred into cages where we can't stand up or turn around, have our mouths literally melted shut so we don't peck each other to death, etc etc. They did NOT get 'civil rights'. Every decent person should be happy that people took a stand against animal torture.
Likewise, every decent person should be saddened and appalled that people took a stand against marriage equality.
Focus on the issue.
Posted by: Wes | Nov 6, 2008 2:33:43 PM
I'm generally a pacifist, but I think its time to kick off the flip-flops and put on the steel toed boots.
Posted by: kansastock | Nov 6, 2008 2:45:06 PM
Hi,
I'm lucky enough to live in a country where gay's have equal rights (Belgium). The Belgian gay movement didn't achieve this by infighting. Maybe the no-on-8 campaign was mismanaged, but it doesn't seem important to me to focus on that now.
In my opinion it's time for gays in the US to show that they're fed up with all the h8. Taking the protest to a Mormon temple is an excellent start. It's time to get angry !!!
H8-groups succeeded in TAKING AWAY the civil rights of gays, WAKE UP !!
Posted by: Michael | Nov 6, 2008 2:50:20 PM
The point of the farm animal proposition - is that there are a clear majority of compassionate CA voters who voted despite the consequence of high food prices - due to an excellent campaign message.
Those same voters voted against us because the unqualified bunglers took our money and blew it on what they thought was a good idea rather than going to qualified firms that ran successful social campaigns in the past.
We lost because we didn't speak to the fears of the people that support us - but don't support us before what they thought was the welfare of their kids - the success of Prop 2 demonstrate that like a neon sign in the dark!
Demonstrating at the Mormon church just fires up their base and increases donations to them!
Posted by: David B. | Nov 6, 2008 3:05:11 PM
It also increases visibilty of who was mostly behind the Yes On 8 campaign: the powerful Mormon church.
I don't think people will be terribly happy about being duped by the Mormons.
I'm all for calling them out. They wanted this fight, lets give it to them.
Posted by: Wes | Nov 6, 2008 3:21:14 PM
"We lost because we didn't speak to the fears of the people that support us - but don't support us before what they thought was the welfare of their kids - the success of Prop 2 demonstrate that like a neon sign in the dark!"
I agree, with you on this... that's what the no-on-8 campaign should have done, and what's probably needed for 2010.
But I'm talking about NOW. Show some anger about this, now it's not the time to be 'polite'. That's what the Mormons and the religious right want gays to do. See this article: http://www.sltrib.com/Salt%20Lake%20Tribune%20Home%20Page/ci_10912217?source=rss
It's important that gays show some outrage and passion, the religious right (Black, Mormon, White, Orange...) need to know and FEEL that they went to far !!!
Posted by: Michael | Nov 6, 2008 3:24:43 PM
California is not a theocracy. The LDS and other fundamentalist churches are treating it like it is. The Mormons and other fundamentalist groups are the PERFECT target for this.
PROTEST AFTER THE PRESS CONFERENCE
WILSHIRE & WESTWOOD -- 5PM
BRING SIGNS, WHISTLES, PATS & PANS.
SE SEEN. BE HEARD. PRESERVE YOUR RIGHTS.
Posted by: GM | Nov 6, 2008 3:25:02 PM
I just received a letter from the Directors of the No on 8 campaign. I thought that I would post my reply. I apologize that it is long but it will be my last comment on these issue for the time being.
Thank you Delores, Lorri, Kate, and Geoff for writing this letter.
I know that it must have been very difficult for each of you. I am sure that your elation at having the new President we deserve—finally—was tempered by the deeply saddening news that our rights will be stripped from, and discrimination ensconced in, the state constitution.
In all truth, I am still angry at what I perceive to be the mis-management of the No on 8 campaign. It is true, and a valid rejoinder to my criticism, that I was not there in California “on the ground”. That said, I must tell you that I was distressed by the advertisements that I did see. I found them to be among the least professional, but more importantly, least persuasive issue ads that I have ever seen. I was also dismayed by what appears to be a complete lack of a ground game strategy. Gay people were all but invisible in the ads and I fear we were also invisible in the streets.
I am an attorney, who teaches advocacy, and have been involved in politics for over thirty years. A cardinal rule in successful argumentation is that one must, absolutely must, engage the decision-maker(s). Where was the outreach to the Black community, particularly to their churches? We knew that they would turn out in record numbers to vote for Obama and that the Black community is notoriously hostile to gay rights. Indeed, many resent it when we compare our campaign for our basic human dignity and rights to the valiant Black struggle for civil rights.
We know this and yet I can find little evidence that any effort was made to address this critical element. Perhaps we are stuck in a feedback loop, but hundreds of my gay friends and family throughout the country have come to the same conclusions.
I know that I will get past my anger and frustration. Your letter goes a long way toward getting me there. In the coming days, months, and years—for it will surely be years now that we have suffered this catastrophic defeat—we must reach out to each other and to those who oppose us. Please take this as constructive criticism for it is given with that intent.
Posted by: rudy | Nov 6, 2008 3:25:43 PM
i am saddened by the whole thing. I truly believe that we are small group fightening a huge force. the odds are not our favor. they can't really claim a huge victory...they only won by 3%...which aint shit!!
I do think we should have challenged the ballot initiative and tied it up in the courts until after the election.
I also say we file motions to have the IRS remove the tax exempt status of these religious organzation who interferred a political issue. Especially the ones that were out of state. I don't understand how they can get away with this. Separation of Church and STATE damnit!!
We will win, but I say we kick some ass!!
they think we're just a bunch of weak, limp wristed fags. i say lets kick their asses!!
and then they can go and pray!! Pricks!!
Posted by: paul | Nov 6, 2008 3:27:49 PM
CONTACT THESE POLITICANS -- TELL WE WANT OUR RIGHTS BACK --that they should take a stand against the implementation of Prop 8.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Feinstein, Dianne- (D - CA) Class I
331 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3841
Web Form: feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactU...
Boxer, Barbara- (D - CA) Class III
112 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3553
Web Form: boxer.senate.gov/contact
Rep. Waxman's offices in Washington or Los Angeles, or use the 'Send a Message' forms below.
In Washington, D.C.
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3976 (phone)
(202) 225-4099 (fax) In Los Angeles
8436 West Third Street, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651-1040 (phone)
(818) 878-7400 (phone)
(310) 652-3095 (phone)
(323) 655-0502 (fax)
Posted by: Chris | Nov 6, 2008 3:31:12 PM
one other thing that strikes me is how the one poster that used Barack Obama's picture and a caption stating that he does not support gay marriage...why wasn't someone for the Obama camp consulted and why weren't those ads pulled immediately. I would think Obaman's picture would not have been able to be used without permission. what do others think?
Posted by: paul | Nov 6, 2008 3:33:43 PM
I think we should put on our steel-toed boots and kick some ass too....let's shut down the 101 or the 405, that'll get some action.
Posted by: Chris | Nov 6, 2008 3:35:33 PM
good point Paul....but now, having supported Obama so much, we should flood his offices with calls asking him to come out ofrcefully against the implementation of Prop 8 as a universal civil rights issue.
www.barackobama.com
Posted by: Chris | Nov 6, 2008 3:38:08 PM
I am not impressed by a people who protest like crybabies AFTER the people have voted. I would be more impressed if a people knew how to rally, organize, give money, strategize, and deliver votes before and on the date of the vote. This is pitiful.
Posted by: javier | Nov 6, 2008 3:43:36 PM
Do not bring anything that might be construed to be a weapon to the rally. Keep your cool. No steel toed boots. The police are not our enemy. No out of line shenanigans like last night (the few that did). Stay focused and cool!!!
Posted by: busytimmy | Nov 6, 2008 3:53:45 PM
Javier....we did do that, but not well enough....now we are taking back our rights....so help us,
or s h u t the f u c k up
Posted by: steve | Nov 6, 2008 4:17:19 PM
BURN THE MOTHER DOWN!
Posted by: charley | Nov 6, 2008 4:22:43 PM
Chris, thanks for the addresses. It should be noted that two top Democrats, Senator Barbara Boxer and Speaker of the House Representative Nancy Pelosi were nowhere to be seen on the Proposition 8 issue. They need to be held somewhat accountable for their lack of support. For the most part, politicians are on our side only when it benefits them. Why did it take Feinstein so long to speak out on it? Those assured re-election, as was Pelosi, could've cared less, IMHO. We need to remember this when they are up for re-election again.
Rudy, what an OUTSTANDING letter. BRAVO!
Paul, I agree with you. Unfortunately, I don't think it would've mattered. The YES on 8 campaign refused to pull any of their ads, even when they were exposed as lies. They also refused to pull the ad that showed the kids outside of the wedding of their teacher, even though the parents asked them to. They were ruthless, the NO on 8 campaign was weak.
Posted by: CB | Nov 6, 2008 4:25:47 PM
Can someone please explain to me the difference is between a Domestic Partnership in California and a marriage? Are we fighting over a words here or is there more to it than that? The current California Domestic Partnership law states:
297.5 (a) Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules,
government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.
I'm not trying to start an argument here... I'm just trying to understand the issue a little more clearly?
Posted by: Zach | Nov 6, 2008 4:26:05 PM
Blow that shit up!
Posted by: J | Nov 6, 2008 4:29:32 PM
I don't quite see what the point in blaming people at this point is. Were the no campaigns mismanaged? Possibly. Could we ALL have done more? Yes.
To me though, it seems that the major reason that Prop 8 did pass was because half of our state does not view us as deserving of the same rights that heterosexual people enjoy. That is what needs to be addressed, and not whether you think Geoff Kors is a jerk or not.
Finally, I think today's protest is a perfect step in the right direction. It takes the demonstrations out of WeHo and to the actual people who fought to take away our rights.
Posted by: ND | Nov 6, 2008 4:41:58 PM
We need to hit them where it hurts. Boyctt every business they own and anyone who does business with them. In addition to the Marriott Hotels, The Mormon Church also owns The Bonneville International Corporation and currently own and operate 29 radio stations in the Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City markets, as well as KSL 5 Television (NBC affiliate) and operating divisions Bonneville Communications and Bonneville Satellite in Salt Lake City. Boycott their stations...
http://www.bonneville.com/?nid=3
Other sources of Mormon wealth are the insurance companies, retail stores, office buildings, and other business properties in Utah and elsewhere. The Beneficial Life Insurance company, founded to provide life insurance to church members, has expanded into a major subsidiary with holdings in the Deseret Mutual Benefit Association, Continental Western Life Insurance Company, the Pacific Heritage Assurance Life Insurance Company, and the Western American Life Insurance Company, which, according to Utah state government records, have a combined value of $94 million.
Shearson-Lehman-Hutton is the broker for the LDS church. They handle almost all of the church's investments apart from charity, administration, and construction -- close to $200 million every year.
Posted by: Rockcandy | Nov 6, 2008 4:48:01 PM
here we go !!!!
Just received the email petition below...an easy click click, to strike back at the evil Mormon Church (which funded 70% of Prop 8).
here's to love,
Let's release the Mormon church of their tax exempt status for mixing
church and state by sending millions to the Yes on 8 political campaign. As a religious organization, one would think
that they'd be using that money for charitable contributions (hunger, education, making the world a little
better) not stripping gay people of their rights.
Directly violates laws regarding political contributions. We must stop this and set a precedent!
http://www.mormonsstoleourrights.com
If you're a resident of California, please sign the petition to the Governor.
http://www.petitiononline.com/seg5130/petition.html
Posted by: jt | Nov 6, 2008 4:49:32 PM
Call the cult called Mormon out for what they are, hate filled bigots. And, they can let all the AA's who voted for the anti-human prop 8 get a real life lesson on how much the Mormon's hate them, as much as the glbt's, had they known, bet they would have thought twice. Let them know that they are doomed to hell according to the Mormons, no matter how they pray.
Out them and keep them in the news with boycotts and the fact that they broke the law by preaching to its cultist to vote and send money on for this hate.
Posted by: Juan Pablo | Nov 6, 2008 5:05:47 PM