George Clooney Slams Prop 8

George Clooney has spoken out to E!'s Ted Casablancas about the passage of Proposition 8, banning gay marriage in California:

"At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black."

Clooney joins a growing list of stars speaking out including Melissa Etheridge, Harvey Fierstein, Ellen Degeneres and more. Drew Barrymore and James Franco also joined a crowd rallying against its passage.

Comments

[verticalspeed]

This is truly reminiscent of the civil rights movements of the past. This will be the civil rights movement of the new millennium and "We shall overcome"!

[Chubbster]

Except there is a relatively tiny population of gays disenfranchised. The "old" civil rights movement was in behalf of a hugely greater number of people.

[LouisianaLiberal]

And your point is_? Are you saying that (at least) 10% of the population don't matter and don't deserve civil rights?

The passing of Prop 8 is an abomination! A population had rights_THEN THEY WERE TAKEN AWAY! This is just plain WRONG!!!

[Speakupper]

Constitutional rights are granted equally to everyone, regardless of the size of the group.
Perhaps the smaller the affected minority group, the greater the responsibility of the majority to help participate in the defense of their rights?

Here are some ways everyone can get involved:

http://www.noonprop8.com/
http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4026385
http://jointheimpact.com/
http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issues_equality_prop_8_memo

[sisterdebmac]

One in ten is a "tiny population"?

[Artemis34]

If the gay populations segment is 10% (some would argue it is more), then that is 1 in 10. So if you have more than 10 people in your family, which nearly everyone does, you have a gay family member, that presumably you love and want to be happy. If all our families are touch by this issue, then we cannot say is "tiny."

[ccortezz]

Religion is in dire straits, picking on the f a g s to bring in the base is all they have.

[CSull2005]

When the day comes that all of our current popular religions are viewed as the collective mythologies that they really are - then the world can begin to heal itself and move foward in a mutually beneficial way. Of course, these religions will take down as many people as they can in the process, and of course, do it all in "the name of God".

[pooh2u]

Funnytthing that this nation is not the only nation that believes in God. Religious wars have been going on for years. Not only that religion has been practiced and fought over for centuries. but then of course you would know that if you ever listened in school or picked up a book on the subject and read it

[euro kitty]

Go George!

I like how Christian fundamentalist always talk about being "free" but then are the first to try to curtail people's rights. "We hold these truths to be self evident -- that all men are created equal."

Sounds like we all should get the same rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," doesn't it?

I'm a straight white married person. If homosexuals want to get married, I can't see how that impacts my marriage. I have gay friends who have been together for 25 years and they're just as committed as any other couple.

I think we should have civil unions and marraige, but that gay or straight, you have the right to either. I lived in France -- a lot of the civil unions are actually between men and women who don't want to get married for one reason or another.

[wiserat70]

Thank you for your input - right from the horse's mouth so to speak. I have NEVER been able to
understand why allowing gay marriages is a threat to heterosexual unions. It is a stupid
argument but we all know YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID! Also don't understand why committed gay couples can not adopt. With all the children (especially the older ones) needing homes, why not???

[rastignac]

... except that civil unions in France are not the same as marriage. Marriage in France is either "mariage civil" or "mariage religieux," the latter taking place in a church and the former, at city hall. The civil marriage is the only one that has force of law. If a couple desire a religious marriage, they MUST first get married at city hall (mariage civil) to obtain the civil marriage certificate (certificat de mariage civil); they must then present that civil certificate to the priest before he is even allowed to perform a religious ceremony. Civil marriage has been the only legal form of marriage since 1792.

The civil union (pacte civil de solidarité) has existed in France since 1999, but it is not equivalent to marriage. It brings rights and responsibilities, but less so than marriage. From a legal standpoint, a PACS is a "contract" drawn up between the two individuals, which is stamped and registered by the clerk of the court. Individuals who have registered a PACS are still considered "single" with regard to family status for some purposes, while they are increasingly considered in the same way as married couples are for other purposes.

[Cmoore]

I’m getting sick and tired of those who insist; their way of life, is the way others must live theirs. Our Constitution was written for the protection of ALL citizens, not just the chosen few. Since marriage has become such an issue why don’t we do like they do in some European Countries, two separate ceremonies! The first is a civil marriage recognized by the State and allows two people protection under the law of the land, the second is a religious marriage recognized by the church where the couple follows the doctrine of their religion.

I find it very interesting that most divorces happen due to violation of life long religious commitments and yet, many Christians divorce and then get married again! Divorce in a Christian marriage, implies the restoration, by Christ Himself, of marriage to its original indissolubility, yet there can never be an absolute divorce after the marriage has been consummated. *
*Mark 10:11, 12; Matthew 19:8, 9; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10, 11

Since the Religious right is so high and mighty when it comes to marriage; where are they when someone wants a divorce?

[LeeB10]

I think that we, as a people, should move away from "marriage" as a religous ceremony and toward a "civil union" whether for homosexual or heterosexual people. I would have liked the opportunity to choose a civil union over a marriage as I am not religous so it bugs me that I have a union that has a religous connotation. Civil Unions should be recognized by the government and afforded all the rights that marriage gives without having to have a religous involvement of any type.

[Bibbo]

LeeB10
Do you know what you are saying? I'm not surprised that you are "not religious" but what EXACTLY does that mean. I think its akin to the joke about being "a little pregnant". You probably would like to think of yourself as being a little religious but not so religious as to believe in the Christian concept of marriage as only male-female. Sorry but you cant be religious and not religious at the same time. What's left if we take religion off the table all thats left as a "belief system" is what religion replaced. That is paganism or its variants such as Hinduism or Buddhism. You dont get to choose what parts of a religious faith you accept. You accept it all or you choose another belief. Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi are learning this hard fact of life as the Catholic Bishops have finally openly repuked them in response to the scandal they have caused in regards to their pro-choice public positions. Scandal means causing confusion as to what the truth is and leading others(like yourself) to erroneous beliefs.

[pooh2u]

Oh believe me they are there, especially if any in the party are very dedicated to their religious beliefs.

[Pdubya]

I just wish some representative would introduce legislation that would separate marriage from state. heterosexual and homosexual alike. collectivism divides. individual rights are free. just remove marriage from it all...

[Barrister2010]

I AGREE; unfortunately, our elected officials lack the (insert 4 letter word) to make this happen. Marriage should NOT be a state sponsored activity. EVERYONE should be entitled to a civil union, if you want to get married--go to your pastor, priest, etc. The government should have ZERO say in what is a primarily religious ceremony. However, the contractual aspect should be available to all.

[pooh2u]

Cool, now that makes alot of sense......this marriage business should not even be up for discussion, as it is a religious matter, not a government matter and since the Gay community doesn't believe in the word of God, let alone following his word, why would they want to engage in a practice that has always been a religious practice or ceremony?

Which brings another point to mind, if our forefathers were not religious, or didn't want religious values incorporated into this nation, why did they ever have God's word present in everything they did, or was written or subsribed in? Why is it that our money and even federal buildings have "In God we trust" inscribed into them, or that he is also written into our national athem and our pledge to this nation?

With all of this in mind this whole subject on marriage should be a moot point

[profounddogs]

Great quote by Clooney.

[realityczech4u]

It certainly won't hurt him at the box office....................

[Okieborn]

Mr. Cloony is Right On !
I am a straight Baby Boomer who has lived through many changes and this Prop. 8 should be thrown into a dark hole never to return !!
My God let people choose their own happiness !!!

[realityczech4u]

You forgot to mention how it won't affect your marriage and how you have many homosexual friends who have been committed to one another for years and years and years

[grecogrant]

to ildv... Tooo bAd ..that is the way the ball bounces ..boycott is on the map"you betcha" it is not stupid it works ding dong head
love mikey and sally

[profounddogs]

You speak like Palin -- can't understand a word you just wrote (????).

[LeeB10]

Palinism is catching obviously. English much?

[Brenbooks]

MONEY TALKS! BOYCOTT UTAH--Ask Robert Redford to move SUNDANCE! Do NOT stay in any MARRIOTT Properties! DO NOT buy Purpose Driven GARBAGE!

MONY TALKS!

Until HUMAN RIGHTS APPLY TO EVERYONE!

[IlDivertente]

See my response to ramal below to understand why you should think twice before calling for non-targeted wide-ranging boycotts. Let's not be stupid.

[jonponder]

Bonneville is owned outright by the Church of Latter Day Saints, aka the Mormons, It operates mainstream radio stations in LA, Chicago, DC, Seattle, St. Louis, Phoenix, Cincinnati and Salt Lake City. These stations and their advertisers are legit targets for a boycott.

LA: “The Sound” - KSWD 100.3 FM

Chicago: The Drive” - WDRV 97.1 FM & WWDV 96.9 FM, Love FM - WILV 100.3 FM Feel Good Favorites, “The Mix” - WTMX 101.9 FM

DC: Federal News Radio - WFED 1050 AM, WTOP 103.5 FM & 103.9 FM

Seattle: KIRO 97.3 FM & 710 AM, “The Truth” - KTTH 770 AM

Phoenix: “The Peak” - KPKX 98.7 FM, “News/Talk 92.3″ - KTAR 92.3 FM
“Sports 620″ - KTAR 620 AM

St. Louis: “The Arch” - WARH 106.5 FM, WIL 92.3 FM, “MOViN 101″ - WMVN 101.1 FM
iChannel

Cincinnati: “Q102″ - WKRQ 101.9 FM, “Q102″ - WKRQ 101.9 FM, “B105 Country” - WUBE 105.1 FM, “The Wolf” - WYGY 97.3 FM

SLC: “The Arrow” - KRSP 103.5 FM, “FM100″ - KSFI 100.3 FM, KUTR 820 AM, KSL News Radio - KSL 102.7 FM & 1160 AM

The church, via Bonneville, also the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City, KSL, Channel 5

Contact info for station management here: http://www.pensitoreview.com/2008/11/10/mormon-church-owns-radio-stations-in-8-markets/

[Javarod]

Don't forget to boycott Bonneville International Corp, they're owned by the Mormons

http://www.pensitoreview.com/2008/11/10/mormon-church-owns-radio-stations-in-8-markets/

[lordball]

George you are now forgiven for making Batman and Robin.

[ramal]

Start the boycotts: all tourism to Utah; the Marriott Hotel Chain. Demand that Sundance be moved out out of Utah. Join the movement to end the tax-exempt status for all churches involved in sending monies to support Prop 8. Enough is enough!

[IlDivertente]

Enough is, indeed enough. There's no need to go overboard with the boycotts, though. I realize that most folks don't know this, but there actually are people in Utah who aren't members of the LDS Church. As a matter of fact, just a couple of days ago, I was one of over 3000 people who participated in a virtually impromptu protest of the Mormon involvement with the passage of Prop 8.

To punish a vital and diverse community like we have here is Utah, rather than targeting the prominent religion is just ridiculous. Utah has a wonderful and thriving Gay scene and you'd be hurting them too... is that what you want your boycotts to do? Think about it!

[Firenze]

What if we all donate to the ACLU and specify that the donation be used to litigate the denial of equal rights of gays and lesbians under Proposition 8? They are certainly going to be submitting an amicus brief in any and all of the court hearings. . .

[Westy1941]

If ALL churches and church-owned properties were taxed, we could feed the world. We are subsidizing religion by not taxing religious venues. It's WRONG and we need to wake up!

[pooh2u]

Excuse me the churches are taxed, as the money that goes into their coffers is money that has already been taxed by the government through the people and so hince double taxation is against the law. Once you start taxing the churchs, you will only be adding more taxes comingout of your own pocket, on top of loosing a tax credit on your own taxes. I guess if you are that rich, you probably could care less about that happening hey?

[cantcookwontcook]

ArmchairQB wrote; ‘’ it destabilizes society’’
What utter rubbish!
Gay marriages are legal in my country and in a number of other European countries, and the earth has not caved in on us. Just to reassure you, we were happily destabilised/screwed up/bonkers BEFORE the legislation. Nothing has changed in that respect; sorry to disappoint you.
It’s truly hard to believe that in 2008, a state like California or anywhere in the US allows the sanctimonious mob to interfere with civil rights in this manner.
In the UK, I think (not sure) the term ‘marriage’ is not used in the actual legislation, so Gay Unions are officially ‘’Civil Partnerships’’, though virtually everyone refers to them as marriages. Naturally, a few ultra religious cuckoo club members objected at the time, but intelligent governments exist to guarantee civil rights for ALL.
I suppose we could blame the legislation for our current recession. That might make the holier-than-thou mob happy. LOL
Someone mentioned giving Florida back to Spain? Don’t bother, as gay marriages are legal in very catholic Spain as well. Sell Florida to Saudi Arabia.

[Bibbo]

Right The UK is in a much more powerful and respected position in the world than 50 yrs ago when it ruled 1/3 the globe.I'm sure the the isue of gay marriage is more important to that 5% of the population thats gay than a strong economy and military that protects the independence and safety of all of us. There are reasons the UK is only a shadow of what it was 50yrs ago and I'm afraid the USA is making the same mistakes that undermined the greatness that once was England.

[Chirp]

The gays made the sun set all over the British empire!

[Firenze]

I'm not sure what your rant means, but it is obvious you are missing cantcookwontcook's point entirely. Denying civil rights to marginalized groups does not a strong country make. Why don't you and the Mormons join us the 21st century?

[LeeB10]

The reason the US was founded was to get away from Religious oppression that was happening in England or don't you read history. Our forefathers were not born-again Christians. No, they were philosophers and intellects. Better read your history books with a REAL thinking cap on.

[Firenze]

Thanks for pointing out that most of the rest of the civilized world has long moved past this type of discrimination.

[SBrooksB]

cantcookwontcook, thanks for caring enough about our Neanderthal nation to post words of encouragement. It'll take some doing, but we WILL catch up with the civilized world eventually -- promise!

[pooh2u]

ummmm catcookwontcook, why did you leave your legal country to come to America?

[aes5678]

Thanks George!

[thegirlnextdoor]

I think all churches should loose their tax exempt status!

[rzan1]

I absolutely agree!

[ReHoover51]

what should really happen is that all people OPEN THEIR EYES and see the truth of the church:
2000 years of torture, molestation, murder in the name of jesus must mean something isnt right here!!!
then we can tax the sh*t out of them until they are unable to pay for those mansions they live in while they suck the blood of fairy tale believers ... the church is run by snake-oil salesMEN that are only in it for the $$$$ and to get a little from your sons and daughters!!!

[profounddogs]

Whoah. AWESOME post ReHoover51.

[Trinite]

Much of what you say is true, but none of that constitutes the Church. It's as though one said, "Your brother is a murderer, therefore everyone in your family is a murderer." The Church consists of the those persons who are united to God in His Grace, which Grace inhabits the souls of those who love God, making them the Children of God, or the Church (capital "C" Church). This Grace unites these persons to God, to one another and to the whole of humanity in love. The union of God and His children constitutes the Church. These are the peacemakers, the poor in spirit, the humble, the pure of heart, the seekers of justice for all, and those who lay down their lives for the good of mankind. They are not involved in the oppression of anyone for any reason and certainly not on so-called religious grounds, whatever their religious "leaders" might preach. And they themselves are persecuted and killed by "the church" (church with a lower case "c"). They are consumed with the Truth which has made them free with the freedom of the sons and daughters of God.
None of this may mean anything to you, but I post it in the interest of the Truth of the Church..

[pooh2u]

Not all churches are out for the almighty dollar, most true christian churchs are there continueing the work of God's disiples, in spreading God's word!!!

[AmandaBC]

Don't just talk about it, **DO SOMETHING** about it. Print this form and send it to the IRS:

http://www.centerlb.org/links/prop-8/Action_Against_LDS_Church.pdf

And don't forget to spread the voice!!

[LeeB10]

I'm for that 100%