Conservative Hate Group Uses Gay Couple's Wedding Picture In Attack Ad
This is heinous: the DC-based conservative group Public Advocate of the United States snatched a photo of gay couple Brian and Tom's New York wedding and photoshopped it into an attack ad against Colorado State Senate Jean White, whom conservatives loathe for her advocacy of same-sex civil unions.
Brian offers his thoughts on the unauthorized use of his and Tom's image at their blog, The Gay Wedding Experience.
[The original picture] is a reminder of the happiness I felt the day he proposed to me and of the excitement I had all throughout our engagement. It represents hope and it represents love. Or at least it did…
Now I see it faded and brown with a big red, blood-emulating slash across our bodies. It cuts us in half just below our hearts. How do I feel?
I’m in shock and I’m angry and I’m hurt and I’m flabbergasted and I’m livid.
...I can’t help but feel the need to warn other LGBT couples that hey, even after you overcome your fears of coming out to your families and friends and coworkers; even after you graduate and leave that hell-hole of a high school, where every single day you feared for your life; even after all the letters to your senators and the countless marches that eventually won you and your state the marriage equality you deserve; even after you find your soul mate, get engaged and then married… someone, a stranger, will seek out your image on the internet [and] steal it and use it in an attempt to destroy others who support you.
It's worth noting that despite its innocuous seeming name, the Public Advocate of the United States is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a "hate group." Now you understand why.
See Brian and Tom's original wedding picture, taken by Kristina Hill, AFTER THE JUMP...
Public Advocate's tax returns analyzed here.
http://wakingupnow.com/blog/nice-work-if-you-can-get-it
Not pretty.
Posted by: Rob Tisinai | Jun 28, 2012 4:18:41 PM
Sure looks like copyright infringement to me. And if the photographer has a copyright registration (which unfortunately is doubtful), she could seek up to $150,000 in damages for "willful infringement." I agree -- someone should take action against the haters. Immediately.
Posted by: Brian | Jun 28, 2012 5:36:09 PM
PAUS is basically Eugene Delgaudio and the voices in his head.
Rob Tisinai's link is useful information. Apparently, Mr. Delgaudio is making a very comfortable living off of other people's ignorance.
Posted by: Robert | Jun 28, 2012 8:04:42 PM
I am the groom on the left. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. I thank you all. We are looking at our legal options, but more important is getting this out there so that the bigots know that we are no longer backing down!
Posted by: Tom | Jun 28, 2012 8:07:26 PM
TBH as a winter person I find the snowy backgroud and the sepia touch quite romantic. Before I read the text I thought it was an ad FOR Jean White. She(?) should totally have her picture taken with those two men and thank those people for showing that her values include love, commitment and equality.
Posted by: Jay4Joke | Jun 29, 2012 2:12:30 AM
TBH as a winter person I find the snowy backgroud and the sepia touch quite romantic. Before I read the text I thought it was an ad FOR Jean White. She(?) should totally have her picture taken with those two men and thank those people for showing that her values include love, commitment and equality.
Posted by: Jay4Joke | Jun 29, 2012 2:12:32 AM
Tom- you have many avenues to fight back. We don't all pick up the mantle of gay rights- sometimes it just finds us. The Southern Poverty Law Center makes a lot of money for clients suing hate groups into oblivion. They, like Lambda Legal, can make these hate groups think twice about their tactics. Also, it would feel great to drain their checking account into yours. The best revenge is living well.
Posted by: Rob | Jun 29, 2012 7:26:33 AM
Ten Reasons Why Same-Sex Marriage Will "Destroy" America
1. Being gay isn't natural. Americans always reject unnatural things, like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.
2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
3. Gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has the same legal standing as a human and can sign a marriage contract.
4. Straight marriage has been around for a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.
5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed. The sanctity of Britney Spears’ 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.
6. Straight marriage is valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.
7. Obviously gay parents will raise only gay children since straight parents raise only straight children.
8. Gay marriage isn't supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why there is only one religion in America.
9. Children can never succeed without a male and female role model at home. That's why our laws forbid single parents to raise children.
10. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. We could never adapt to social norms, just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.
Posted by: PAT ANSWERS | Jun 29, 2012 9:10:32 PM
I think we should give Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio a call to his office and let him know this is not ok: 703-777-0204
Also send an email: eugene.delgaudio@loudoun.gov
Posted by: Dr cooper | Jul 13, 2012 4:27:11 PM
Proud to be HETEROSEXUAL !
Posted by: mike | Jul 14, 2012 11:16:53 AM
Conservatives value traditional marriage. This is not hateful.
Posted by: phil | Jul 14, 2012 3:23:08 PM
AIDS cures queers
Posted by: don | Jul 14, 2012 5:34:17 PM
I and no other Conservative hates "gays"
Its just silly to identify your self by the kind of sex you like. Childish even.
Most are that way cause its easier and quicker than trying to get girls.
Posted by: don | Jul 14, 2012 5:39:40 PM
They disgust me, A bunch of fags
Posted by: hattie | Jul 15, 2012 12:48:33 AM
Why would I want someone digging in my Butt at night or any other time. They are a bunch of sick freaks and don't have any idea what their body are made for. If it was made for someone to dig in your butt then you would be able to have babies that way, you cann't some go some where and get your life together, and be the men and women God meant for you to be.
Posted by: hattie | Jul 15, 2012 12:53:34 AM
If you believe the group that misused the photo is displaying "hatred," re-read the comments on this link and ask what these posters are displaying.
Kettle calling the pot blackie!
Posted by: mary e | Jul 15, 2012 1:26:49 PM
Why are they heinous?
All they did is display a photo the you and you kind say you are proud of?
Here is "Public Advocate of the United States" Platform and Policy! I see no hate?
A federal traditional marriage (man-woman) amendment to the Constitution to defend tradional marriage from assaults from those who claim to promote "same sex marriage";
School prayer and the freedom of religious expression in public places;
Faith-based and community initiatives;
Pro-life legislation;
The promotion and protection of the Boy Scouts, organized sports and other activities that reinforce morality, accountability and leadership in our youth;
Tax cuts and the exposure of wasteful "pork barrel" spending for the benefit of liberal special interests;
Equality under the law, regardless of one's sexual orientation.
Posted by: FLOYD IN FLORIDA | Aug 4, 2012 6:00:40 PM