Pat Boone Rhetoric…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Dec 11th, 2008
2008
Dec 11

Prop. 8 protesters the same as terrorists

  

( Mirek Towski)

 

“…there is a real, unbroken line between the jihadist savagery in Mumbai and the hedonistic, irresponsible, blindly selfish goals and tactics of our homegrown sexual jihadists.”
                  - Pat Boone, December 6, 2008

 

Country singer and right-wing pundit Pat Boone has written a column equating the movement against Prop. 8 to the terrorists who tortured and murdered hundreds in Mumbai.

This is a new low in anti-gay rhetoric.

Boone and his buddies continue to stir up fear, even if they have to lie. It’s exactly how they passed the California marriage ban.

We need your help to stop the radical right from painting a movement about love and dignity as violent and radical. We need your support to stay strong, smart, and nimble, to combat these growing attacks with the simple truth: all we want is equality.

Make a donation to HRC on behalf of Pat Boone. Your gift helps HRC combat these lies – and sends the message that our call for equality cannot be silenced.

We’ll even send Mr. Boone a note with your first name and gift amount to let him know you’ve donated in his name.

It’s time to say enough to the deception and false ads that defeated marriage equality in three states and banned gay couples from adopting in Arkansas; enough to the attempts to equate peaceful protest with “jihadist savagery”; enough to the lies used to block federal hate crimes laws and workplace protections.

 

If, every time they tell another lie, run another deceptive ad or use more fear-mongering to try and win votes and recruit new members, we respond by strengthening our movement for equality, eventually they’ll realize they’re hurting themselves more than they’re hurting us.

But it only works if we all stand up.

What’s perhaps most disturbing about Boone’s rhetoric – painting LGBT people as a threat to society – is that it leads to the very real hate violence directed against LGBT people every day.
.

We can’t stop the Pat Boones of our world from speaking their ugly lies, but together we can make sure that there’s a political cost associated with this kind of hateful speech.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

To see the full article by Pat Boone, click here.

 

_________________________________

 

14th Amendment to the Constitution…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 21st, 2008
2008
Nov 21

THE CONSTITUTION

14th Amendment

Citizenship Rights.

Ratified July 9, 1868

 

 

1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

____________________________________

 

LA Board of Supervisors Backs Prop 8 Challenge…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 12th, 2008
2008
Nov 12

Emotional Board of Supervisors backs Prop. 8 challenge

 

Molly Hennessy-Fisk
Los Angeles Times

.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted this afternoon to join a lawsuit filed by the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Clara County challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative voters passed by a narrow margin this month.

 

The vote was carried by the board’s three Democrats: Supervisors Gloria Molina and Zev Yaroslavsky, who proposed the board join the lawsuit, and Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke, who voted in support.

 

Of the two Republicans, Supervisor Michael Antonovich was out of town, and Supervisor Don Knabe left the meeting just as speakers began.

 

More than a dozen speakers appeared in support of the board’s vote and opposition to Proposition 8, including Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo, San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera and several gay couples. Both Molina and Yaroslavsky, who have officiated at same-sex wedding ceremonies since California legalized them in June, said they acted out of a sense of duty and personal responsibility.

 

Yaroslavsky pointed out a couple he married who were among those speaking in support of the vote.

 

“Some of us may ask why the county supervisors would be involved and get so involved in this issue,” Molina said, citing the board’s responsibility to supply marriage license, uphold the law and “balance the enforcement of Proposition 8 with recognizing the constitutional right of all our citizens.” Molina added, “On a personal note, I am here to say that the passage of Prop. 8 saddened and angered me on various levels.”

 

Yarolslavsky noted that was “a close call” given how divided the state and county have been on the question of gay marriage. He said that he was not always a supporter of gay marriage (he supported civil unions instead) but said he “was persuaded” by colleagues and his children.

 

“It’s very important for the County of Los Angeles to be at the table on this,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt anybody. It doesn’t adversely affect anybody else.”

 

*Update: Antonovich had earlier said he would not support the legal challenge. His statement: “The appropriate time to have raised legal objections was prior to the election –- not after the people have once again voted on the issue. This move will disenfranchise voters who turned out in record numbers to participate in the process and have their voices heard.”

 

REOPEN PROP 8 FOR CALIFORNIA PETITION

________________________________

 

A Message on Proposition 8…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 11th, 2008
2008
Nov 11

A Message on the Passage of Proposition 8
From the Executive Director of Outfest

 

One week later, the passage of Proposition 8 still resonates in our community. We were poised to join the “more perfect union” envisioned by the Bill of Rights - the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, blatant discrimination was written into the California state constitution leaving many of us frustrated and angry. That anger and frustration is now a catalyst for working together even harder to continue the fight for equal recognition and protection under the law.

 

For the past 27 years, Outfest has represented and served our community by fostering and screening images that reflect and document the LGBTQ experience. Now more than ever our mission to nurture, showcase, and protect LGBTQ culture has a profoundly relevant purpose in helping to change the hearts and minds of our foes and achieving our equality.

 

I believe in what President-elect Barack Obama said on Tuesday night: “For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected.”

 

Outfest, with your help as an audience and as supporters, will continue to showcase our struggle and our triumph. Together we will help to change the discussion, support LGBT artistic expression and ultimately achieve equality.

    

 

Sincerely,

Todd Heustess, Executive Director
Outfest
www.outfest.org

________________________________

 

Schwarzenegger Says ‘Don’t Give up’…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 9th, 2008
2008
Nov 9

Schwarzenegger tells backers of gay marriage: Don’t give up

 

 

 

 

The governor expresses hope that Proposition 8 would be overturned as protesters continue to march outside churches across California.

.
By Michael Rothfeld and Victoria Kim
Los Angeles Times
November 9, 2008

.

Reporting from Sacramento and Pasadena — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today expressed hope that the California Supreme Court would overturn Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage. He also predicted that the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who have already married would not be affected by the initiative.

 

“It’s unfortunate, obviously, but it’s not the end,” Schwarzenegger said in an interview on CNN this morning. “I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area.”   (Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for more)

_____

Continue Reading »

Stars Angry Over Marriage Ban…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 7th, 2008
2008
Nov 7

Stars join the furor over gay marriage ban

 

 

Melissa Etheridge says she won’t pay taxes because, ‘I am not a full citizen’

_____
The Associated Press
Nov. 7, 2008
.

LOS ANGELES - Thousands of protesters are angry about California’s ban on gay marriage — and so are the stars.

 

Many celebrities grieved the passing of Proposition 8 in California this week. Some — such as Wanda Sykes, Rose McGowan and Lance Bass — attended a Wednesday protest criticizing the state’s gay marriage ban. Others — like Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O’Donnell, Samantha Ronson and Melissa Etheridge — vented their frustrations online, on TV, and onstage.

 

Blocks away from the Thursday rally of more than 2,000 gay-rights advocates outside the gates of a Mormon temple, several stars — including James Cromwell, Patricia Clarkson, Anjelica Huston and Sean Penn — said they supported the protesters while walking the red carpet at the BAFTA L.A. Brittania Awards at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.

 

“I think it might be an idea to go out and join them shortly,” Penn said. “It was a shameful decision that was made.”   (Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for more)

_____

Continue Reading »

Saving Marriage…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Nov 3rd, 2008
2008
Nov 3

Saving Marriage

 

 

Produced and directed by John Henning and Mike Roth

 

When Massachusetts becomes the first state to recognize gay marriage, a constitutional amendment immediately emerges that would take that right away. Now, seasoned lobbyists and rookie activists are in the battle of their lives. The holy grail of gay rights is within reach, and their fight to save marriage will change forever how people - including them — view same-sex relationships. Civil rights history begins a new chapter in Massachusetts, and Saving Marriage is there on the scene as the drama unfolds.

 

READ ANDRE SOARES Q & A WITH SAVING MARRIAGE DIRECTOR, MIKE ROTH AT THE ALTERNATIVE FILM GUIDE

_______________________________________

 

Celebs Support ‘NO on Prop 8′…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Oct 17th, 2008
2008
Oct 17

California gay marriage fundraiser reaches for stars

 

_____________
Thu Oct 16, 2008
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Reuters

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Battling to save the right to same-sex marriage in what is expected to be a close state vote next month, California gay rights backers are turning to Hollywood celebrities for help at a major fundraiser.

 

Actress and singer Barbra Streisand is expected at the event on Tuesday and singers Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige will perform, organizers said on Thursday.

 

Supermarket billionaire Ron Burkle will host the event at his Beverly Hills home (Green Acres), with a private $25,000-a-plate dinner. Among other entertainment figures planning to attend are actor/director Rob Reiner.

 

In recent weeks, director Steven Spielberg and actor Brad Pitt each donated $100,000 in support of the campaign to preserve the right to gay marriage.

 

The fundraiser comes as backers of same-sex marriage fight to stem a tide of support for Proposition 8, a November 4 ballot measure that seeks to define marriage under the California Constitution as only between a man and a woman.

 

A poll released last week by Survey USA showed 47 percent of Californians supported the measure, while 42 percent opposed it.

 

“We’re feeling very good about the surge in the campaign,” said Sonja Eddings Brown, a spokeswoman for Protect Marriage, the group advocating for a “Yes” vote on Proposition 8.

 

The “Yes” campaign has raised $25.4 million, compared with $15.8 million for those who wish to maintain the right to gay marriage.

 

In recent weeks, advocates of same-sex marriage have chided the Hollywood community for failing to contribute cash to the campaign to defeat Proposition 8.

 

But Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, said the fundraiser would show Hollywood’s support for same-sex marriage rights.

 

“Having support from Hollywood leaders who are visible, who reach a wide audience, is critical to our success,” Kors said.

 

“It’s always really scary when you’re being outspent 2 to 1 in an election, and when your rights are at stake and someone’s trying to take your rights away,” he added.

 

In recent days, opponents of same-sex marriage have stepped up their television advertising and warned voters that if Proposition 8 is defeated, children will be taught about gay marriage in elementary schools.

 

Gay-marriage supporters call that argument misleading.

 

In California, an estimated 11,000 same-sex couples have married since the state’s highest court in May overturned a state ban on same-sex marriage.

 

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and actress Portia de Rossi wed in August in one the most high-profile same-sex unions. Etheridge has said she plans to marry girlfriend Tammy Lynn Michaels before November 4.

 

DeGeneres released an online video message this week urging California voters to strike down Proposition 8.

 

Gay and lesbian marriage was legalized last week in Connecticut, bringing to three the number of U.S. states that allow it. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Jill Serjeant and Peter Cooney)

______________________

 

Matthew Shepard Anniversay…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Oct 12th, 2008
2008
Oct 12

Fear, ignorance, hatred take lives of Shepard and King

 

Matthew Shepard

 

Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard. Ten years ago, on a cold October night on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming, the 21-year-old gay college student was brutally beaten, tied to a fence and left for dead. He was found 18 hours later and rushed to the hospital, where he lingered on the edge of death for nearly five days before succumbing to his injuries.  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

 

By Jay Smith
Ventura County Star

 

On the night of Oct. 6, 1998, a young man in Laramie, Wyo., was brutally beaten and then hogtied to a split-rail fence where he lay for more than 18 hours. The 21-year-old, who had been left to die, was Matthew Shepard.

 

Six days after the savage attack, Matthew died with his family by his side.

 

His death was a wake-up call. Many were appalled by the horrific, senseless nature of the crime. But as time passed, we forgot. We were lulled into complacency until last winter.

 

On Feb. 12, almost 10 years after Matthew’s death, our community was struck by a similar tragedy. Fifteen-year-old Lawrence King was shot in the head by a fellow classmate in his English class. Though doctors initially thought he would survive, he was declared brain dead the next day. Lawrence died two days later.

 

Although Wyoming and California are hundreds of miles apart, and these tragedies are separated by an entire decade, they are tied together by common threads.

 

Matthew was brutally killed for being gay. To justify their crime, his attackers said they were driven to violence after Matthew hit on them. Attorneys for Lawrence’s shooter have used a similar line of defense. According to friends and classmates, Lawrence told friends he was gay. He was sometimes harassed for his appearance. I was overwhelmed by the fact that such violence could take place right here in my own community. Hadn’t we learned our lesson after what happened to Matthew Shepard?

 

Lawrence King

 

The facts are still emerging in Lawrence’s case, but what is clear in both of these heartbreaking instances is that two lives were cut drastically short because of fear, ignorance and hatred. Neither Lawrence nor Matthew will have the opportunity to realize their dreams, to enjoy another Thanksgiving with their families, to watch a movie with friends, to pursue a career and find their places in the world.

 

These tragic deaths highlight the need for us to stand up and ensure young people feel safe in their schools and in their communities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We must find a way to prepare teachers and parents to deal with school bullying and hate in our communities. We must ask ourselves, do we want to be responsible for creating an environment where gay and transgender youths live on the margins of society in fear, or do we want to lead the charge in fostering an environment where everyone is valued, accepted and nurtured?

 

As Californians who value fairness and just communities, we must resolve to put a stop to bias-motivated crimes and such vicious acts of intolerance. Implying that an openly gay victim shares responsibility for being attacked, or that an attack was justified because of an unwanted romantic or sexual advance, is totally unacceptable. We must focus on solutions, so that no family and no community is touched by this kind of violence and bigotry ever again. After another decade passes and we pause to remember the deaths of Matthew and Lawrence, I pray that we will live in place where no one is targeted for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

— Jay Smith is executive director of the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance in Ventura.

___________________

 

Don’t Be Misled…

Posted by Allan Ellenberger on Oct 7th, 2008
2008
Oct 7

 DON’T BE MISLED

Here are the real facts about Prop 8. 

 
 
   

Proponents of Prop 8 make many misleading assertions in their new television ad. Here’s what’s fiction and what’s fact:

 

Fiction vs. the Facts

  • Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.
  • Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.

 

  • Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.
  • Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

 

  • Fiction: Same-sex marriage would be taught in public schools.
  • Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it. A Sacramento Superior Court judge has already ruled that this claim by the proponents of Prop 8 is “false and misleading.” In fact, the “case” that is cited in the ad is from Massachusetts…the proponents knew what California law said, so they used another state, again to mislead voters.

 

  • Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…
  • Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it’s about eliminating a fundamental right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that we’ve already voted on this, that judges should not protect rights and freedoms, and that somehow what happened in the past should be the guide to our future. This campaign is not about what happened nearly nine years ago. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to eliminate a fundamental right for one group of citizens.

 

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.

 

http://noonprop8.com/home

__________________________

 

Next »

  • RSS Feed