10,000 Protest Same-Sex Marriage Ban In Los Angeles

SAN DIEGO — As many as 10,000 people took to the streets in San Diego and similar numbers marched in Los Angeles Saturday to protest passage of an anti-gay marriage ballot initiative, authorities said.

Demonstrators began marching through central San Diego at noon, according to police Sgt. Diane Wendell. The event lasted about 90 minutes and was peaceful, with no arrests.

The march in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles began at Saturday evening and lasted about four hours, said police Sgt. Jake Bushy. No incidents were reported as demonstrators marched down Sunset Boulevard carrying signs and waving banners.

The demonstrations were the largest of several marches that followed Tuesday's passage of Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages and overturning the state Supreme Court decision that legalized such unions in May.

A candlelight vigil in Laguna Beach Saturday evening drew about 1,000 people and police reported no incidents.

On Friday, tensions flared at a vigil at Palm Springs City Hall when a supporter of the gay marriage ban carrying a plastic foam cross clashed with protesters, according to The Desert Sun. The crowd ripped the cross from her hands and stomped on it. Police made no arrests.

About 2,000 people gathered in Long Beach Friday night and there were three arrests. A thousand people also marched Friday in San Francisco.

In Salt Lake City Friday night, a crowd of about 2,000 chanted "Separate church and state" and waved rainbow flags outside the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which encouraged its members to work to pass the amendment by volunteering their time and money for the campaign.

Comments

[bbbtmenw]

SAN DIEGO WAS 20,000-25,000 by the police count in San Diego.

I spoke with the Lieutenant in charge and he said at the least 20,000 and some of his officers said 25,000. He told the protest organizer, "Better go with the lower number (to make sure you are accurate enough)."

over 20,000 not 10,000 .....you always do that to us..lower the number to make it less of an impact. If San Diego had 20,000, I would assume LA had atleast as many.

[Felicty]

I think a good protest would be for all of us to attend church every Sunday and, when the collection plate is passed, a NO on Prop 8 card should be dropped into the plate instead of money.

We can do this until all the churches close due to lack of income.

[blasofsky]

Two close friends and I recently started a grassroots site (www.OurVoicesForMarriage.com) as a response to Proposition 8 passing. It is a VERY basic, no-frills site that allows individuals to voice their sadness, their frustration, and, most importantly, their personal stories on how the passing of Proposition 8 effected them. Our hope is that President-Elect Obama will soon announce a GLBT liaison whom we can refer to this site, and, who in turn, will refer President Obama to it with the hope he will speak out and say, loud and clear, that discrimination written into any constitution is a violation of everyone's civil rights.

PLEASE take a moment, go to the site, and post YOUR story. The more voices we have the louder our message will be. . .

[Crozier]

http://www.lambdalegal.org and the Overturning of Proposition 8 by the CA Supreme Court is what we need to concentrate on NOW.

I am old enough to remember the Clinton Administration......(or Harry Truman succeeding FDR in his fourth term when I was born in 1946 LOL) .....and the same LGBT political foil in the WH. That person quit after DOMA and DADT...

I love President-elect Obama and his promise. Believe me, he will do NOTHING about LGBT rights except to assure us that he will thwart any federal attempt at discrimination by the fasc*sts.

As a lawyer, I know that Prop 22 in 1990 passed and overturned is the same case as Prop 8 in 2008 and that the California Supreme Court should overturn this travesty of justice as well.

I am not interested in singing KUMBAYA - even with my friends.....thank you very much....I demand justice in the courts.. NOW. !!!!

[Crozier]

The California Constitution makes clear that a major change in the roles played by the different branches of government cannot be made by a simple majority vote through the initiative process, but at the very least must first go through the state legislature. Changes to the underlying principles of the constitution must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of the legislature before going to voters. That didn't happen with Proposition 8, and that's why it's invalid.

In 1990, a passed ballot initiative tried to make the voting electorate be given the right to overturn the Supreme Court decisions. It was overturned.

These initiatives are ALWAYS proposed and funded by the extreme right wing and their allies in the Dominionist theocratic crowd.

[bbbtmenw]

You may say I sound intense.

BUT, the law that does not allow HIV people from other countries has been repealed, BUT Bush has not implemented the change and we are still excluding them. We don't have same rights to marry or equal benefits without taxation (without enough representation). We are the only minority group that receives prejudice from our own families, our own race, and every other minority and majority group.

We still sit and wait. WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT

WHY? Excuse me, WAITING TIME IS OVER.

Peaceful...YES... B*ll-less and stupid....NO

[bbbtmenw]

A NOTE To Protesters in California and Across Country FOR NOVEMBER 15th and others.

Peaceful. Yes. On sidewalk..No

In San Diego and in every city across the nation, our protest route should be through the city and to the courthouse steps and in the street out front.

INCONVENIENT?
Say that to MLK in the 60s. Say that to our brothers and sister at Stonewall. Say that to our brothers and sisters in Germany under Hitler (oops sorry we can't, they are no longer with us).
Say that to Mathew Sheppard, Harvey Milk, and others like them. Say it to me, when I am having my self respect stripped away from being harassed.

Peaceful, YES. Out of sight, quiet, go to some obscure place, go to the back of the bus, to separate drinking fountains...NO

[bbbtmenw]

Peaceful, no property damage, and no violence...

BUT if they want to arrest me for standing (loitering) on a street corner asking for fairness...or obstructing traffic to the beach for tourists......Let Them.

I hope there are no arrests and problems, but we have to realize there may be and we shouldn't be offended or embarrassed because we stood up for our rights. Don't be scared we will have bad publicity, the police and city does not want it either. Be peaceful, be respectful, but don't give up or go home cause you are told to go to the back of the bus, told to shut up, told to go back in your place.

In California, we were told by our gay leaders to have quiet nice weddings with no leather or any weirdness and then people would see we are just like them and they would vote for us. We are not like them.

A friend of mine joked:

They will let us cut their hair, wait on them, design and make their clothes, design their interiors, entertain them, help them get rich, and be the celibate "Will" best friend always there to help.... The second class citizen, lowest on the totem pole. WAIT, we are the new indentured servant class. They think we owe them and we will get our rights and freedoms when they tell us we can.

PROBLEM is....the joke is reality.

[OkieJo]

Okay, the Prop 8 Vote at 52% was a huge blow to "Our Hope". The fact is, is that 52% is actually quite low compared to the other 27 states that have passed this same Constitutional Amendment at nearly 70%. In other words, this says to me that American Voters of every demographic disregard LGBT Rights on an average of nearly 70%, SEVENTY PERCENT. That number is just so insane to even wrap your head around. And what's with everyone's opinions on our lives; whether or not God created us to be who we are, that we are generally products of abuse, that we simply enjoy our "choice" in "alternative" lifestyle, and even whether or not we should be allowed to start families or foster children. It's like the control of our lives has been taken completely out of our own hands, that we're being tossed around like bunnies in a science lab. I don't get it. I'm 35 and I'm exhausted from giving explanation as to who I believe I am, I can't imagine the exhaustion for rest of you out there. For everyone's sake I simply hope that in the very near future all these numbers and opinions get tossed out the window of history and that the light of the appallingly average homosexual will finally see it's day. Equal Protection for Every Family, Equal Protection for All, Equal Protection On the Fly Please

[bayhuntr]

We keep hearing the same basic line from the YES ON 8 people about what they have won, "We are extremely pleased that the voters of California chose to pass Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment which restores in our State the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman." The Catholic Bishops of California, but cold be any of the 8 supporters we have been hearing from this week.
They are trying to say it in a way that is dishonest and hides an obvious lack of character. This is what they are really saying: "We are extremely pleased that the voters of California by a small margin chose to pass Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment which requires by law in our State, marriage as the union only for heterosexuals like me because now it proves I'm better then them"
The only thing it proves is they have a lack of character, hate America for it's freedom and only support laws that require no sacrifice from them. Basically, very low quality people.

[oneofsixbillion]

This is for all you who voted or support the gay marriage ban anywhere. As a gay man in a committed monogamous 20 year relationship living in San Francisco I have a proposition of my own. I have a serious moral issue with DIVORCE. In fact, so does the Bible. Outlaw divorce now! Support Proposition D! Until you rid your lifestyle of the sin of divorce the passage of Proposition D will revoke your marriage licenses, power of attorney, inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, tax exemption status, social security benefits, and custody rights of your children. We don't want them living amongst such morally corrupt people such as yourselves. I know you pay taxes and many of you have served your country but I just cannot abide by the rampant DIVORCE. It's morally wrong. It's says so in the Bible. I care about you, I do. I only want what's best for our society. I think of DIVORCEES's as being like alcoholics, drug addicts, and criminals. I hate the sin but love the sinner. I really do. BUT until you eradicate divorce you just have to live with your marriages and rights being taken away. Now its part of the constitution. Good Luck getting your rights back!

The Mormon Church, Religious Right, and Evangelicals will be on your doorstep next to take away your rights. Think about it.

[Pearlswan]

Yes, divorce has evil consequences. Maybe I'd still be straight if my husband did not abandon me with five children ages seven and below and refuse to pay any child support. My family thinks that's what "turned" me gay. So, protect traditional divorce and child abandonment, Yes on Prop 8ate! Not! It's so ironic because my ex-hubby got remarried but I'm still denied that option so his traditional second marriage can be protected? I've been with my lesbian partner now for 18 years but my heterosexual marriage only lasted a decade. Go figure. The Pro 8 arguments are lost on me and my children. They are detached from reality.

[Crozier]

Two gay men....partnered since August 11, 1976 and the parents of a 6 year old son. I am an American....and my spouse is Canadian and our son is dual national of Canada and the USA.

I love my country. Yet, we must think of our son, and the reality is that Canada provides him and us with equal rights under law. There is also a more compassionate culture. It is becoming more and more difficult not to acquiesce to my spouse and for me to receive landed immigrancy - my right as married to a Canadian - but I will await to see if Prop 8 is overturned, DOMA overturned and full rights are given to all Americans......

I guess that I should begin practicing to sing " O Canada" before this nation matures and civilizes as other countries have.

[aspertame2]

Proposition 8 has a silver lining: what's now going to be heard in a court of low involves rescission of a granted civil right, and if history is any indicator, yah, good luck with *that*.

[FunMe]

Here's strong evidence that the MORMON CULT should lose their tax-exempt status:

http://lds501c3.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/lds-california-letter.pdf

"A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.

We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage. "

[sclucie]

You can add the Catholics.

"We are extremely pleased that the voters of California chose to pass Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment which restores in our State the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman." The Catholic Bishops of California

[slaxx]

it's all about power. churches fear that as we become more secular, they lose some of their power.

[Nikola Tesla]

And the AA Church.

[Crozier]

The Papists invented the sin of hypocrisy. History to the present has given us gay popes and gay cardinals and gay bishops and gay religious. Since celibacy was legislated for the Latin or Roman rite, the clergy have satisfied their libidinous urges on the down low, and sadly, on the male youth and adolescents in their "spiritual care."

Now, they scapegoat the lay Papist, while protecting their cult ministers in all grades of Orders. The Papist bishops allow that person from the Catholic League to speak for them.

The Papists have been bled dry financially....and have lost millions of sheep to the very cults that they now are in political bed with....politics do make strange bedfellows.

[slaxx]

the statement that marriage is a sacred institution is a BOLD FACED LIE.

[OpheliaNYC]

The Mormon Church has a history of bigotry, it once banned African Americans from their church.

[YellowDogInRedCounty]

Any church that gets involved in politics should have their tax exempt status removed. In our small town, the church is also the polling place. This is what they had on their sign on November 4:

http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/articles/2008/11/07/news/prop8pollsign.img

Anyone who thinks they can take away my rights without a fight is sadly mistaken.

[sclucie]

Outrageous. HOW CAN THESE PEOPLE HAVE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS?

[slaxx]

is anyone doing anything about this?

[YellowDogInRedCounty]

It's still up in the air. The law says that there can be no signs within 100 feet of the polling place. The sign itself is more than 100 feet from the actual building but the wording of the law is a little vague as to whether the 100 foot rule speaks to the actual building or if the parking lot would be included.

[bayhuntr]

We pay tax on the money we give to fight Prop8, they give money to the church tax free and have the church fight us. It couldn't be any clearer, that church marquee on your link, was paid for with tax free money. They betray America, and they are proud of it!

[Eric8869]

I agree that gay people cannot totally blame the loss of prop 8 on the increase in black & hispanic voters. However I think we have a unique opportunity because of this to start thinking about how we fight homophobia in the black community. We need to be allies and it has to stop.

Here is an old article that said it all:

http://www.thisisby.us/index.php/content/why_isaiah_washington_is_just_the_tip_of_the_iceberg

[azureblue]

God hates fangs, maybe?

[bugland]

hahahahahahahaha XD

oh dear me, yes! those churches better get on the ball and ban... uh, vampires! and carnivorous animals! and any human with particularly pronounced canines!

[Eric8869]

Everyone needs to join AMERICANS UNITED FOR THE SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE -

It's the organization that challenges the tax exempt status of religious organizations that engage in politics and hate mongering. (on both sides of the political spectrum)

http://www.au.org/site/PageServer

[Stagehnd1]

Thanks for that..

[damnadamson]

We always have Canada !!

[SUIGENEROUSLA]

prehaps, but this is my country and i demand my full civil rights...........seperate but equal is not equal........

[YellowDogInRedCounty]

You can go if you wish but I'm staying here and fighting.

[damnadamson]

No more Tax Exemption for the Rich right wing hatemongers !!!

[sclucie]

I agree completely. The LDS church should absolutely lose its tax exempt status. But what does that mean for the countless black churches in California which preached exactly the same thing and told their congregations how to vote? 70% of black Californians voted to ban gay marriage - and there aren't a lot of LDS Mormons. This seems a little yellow-bellied to me. Are they going to stand up to black churches too? And to the Catholic church - which also poured millions into fighting this proposition?

[suejester]

We will take them down one church at a time. Here is a link to send to the IRS in order for an investigation to be launched. The key is to get 50,000 inquiries sent to the IRS before they open an investigation.

http://lds501c3.wordpress.com/

[Nikola Tesla]

Don't Forget the African American Churches!

[ShakeYourComplacency]

Look.......no one was asking fellow democrats to donate, or use your time, or your gas in your car, or write letters to newspapers, or convince Republicans change their votes. All it took was to pull a lever. All we asked is that when you walked in that voting booth, you didn't DELIBERATELY eliminate my rights.

But you did.

Just as you expect me to not vote "yes" on some crazy amendment which would repeal the voting rights act, or bring back separate water fountains, I expect some respectful voting too. I don't care what color you are. If you're a democrat I expect you not to overturn the voting rights act, not to overturn roe vs wade, not to put bible teaching in schools, not to bust unions, not to ruin the environment, and NOT to attack gay democrats and change constitutions, which are very serious documents, and make that document say something that no constitution should ever say.

During Bush's long rule, when the spying went on and habias corpus went to dust, there were many portrayals of the Statue of Liberty hiding her eyes in shame. Well, after Prop 8, it's God himself hiding his eyes in shame, for what his children have just done to his other children.