Sacramento theater director who donated to Prop. 8 faced storm of criticism

Scott Eckern, the Sacramento theater director whose political donation in support of California's Prop. 8 ban on same-sex marriage has become a lightning rod in the debate over gay rights, resigned today. He said he wanted to protect the California Musical Theatre, his artistic home since 1984, from further controversy.

Word of Eckern's $1,000 donation -- publicly reported under state elections law -- spread rapidly on the Internet late last week, and Eckern drew criticism from some prominent stage artists, including Tony Award-winning composer Marc Shaiman ("Hairspray") and Jeff Whitty, the "Avenue Q" librettist, who wrote on his whitless.com website about his thoughts on how to deal with the fact that "Avenue Q" would be opening at California Musical Theatre in March.

Actress Susan Egan, whose Broadway credits include Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" and the original Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," also passed the word in the theater community. In an e-mail, she said had known and worked with Eckern since 1993 and had been "floored" to learn of his support for Prop. 8, terming it "hypocritical at best and, more likely, distressingly prejudiced."

In Sacramento, Kellie Randle, a partner in a local public relations company, launched a website aimed at supporting Eckern's free speech rights and countering what the site describes as "bullying, intimidation and threats" by out-voted foes of Prop. 8.

"I am disappointed that my personal convictions have cost me the opportunity to do what I love the most," Eckern, the nonprofit stage company's artistic director since 2003, said in a written statement released today by a manager from Randle's firm. Eckern did not return calls Tuesday and Wednesday. In his statement, he said he decided to resign "after prayerful consideration." He apologized "for any harm or injury" taken from his support of Prop. 8, but also affirmed his right "to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved."

"This is a highly emotional issue and the accusations that have been made against me are simply not true," he added.

Eckern -- who wrote that he has a lesbian sister who is in a domestic partnership -- said he would donate $1,000 to the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates equal rights for gays and lesbians. By resigning, he said he hoped to "help the healing in the local theatergoing and creative community."

The director's biography, which apparently had been removed Wednesday from the California Musical Theatre's website, said he holds an undergraduate dramatic arts degree from UC Santa Barbara and a master's in acting from Brigham Young University, and that he's had teaching posts at the University of the Pacific, Sacramento State University and American River College.  As a theater artist, Eckern said, "I have not imposed my beliefs onto any of the works" he oversaw, "but have sought to [allow] the truths found in the storytelling to speak for themselves."

Richard Lewis, executive producer of California Musical Theatre, said there was no pressure on Eckern to resign. "The board did not even hint at the idea that I needed to suggest to Scott" that he give up his job, Lewis said Wednesday. Eckern's duties included casting, hiring and day-to-day oversight of a 7-show summer musical festival and a say in choosing the touring Broadway musicals CMT also presents. Lewis said he spoke regularly with Eckern after the controversy broke out, and talked with him Wednesday after Eckern had announced his resignation by e-mail.

Lewis said he was sure the artistic director had made up his mind and did not try to persuade him to reconsider. "I had made it crystal clear to him... I was there for him whatever way he wanted to go with this."

In an interview Tuesday, the L.A.-based Shaiman, who also works as a film composer, said he spoke to Eckern after learning he'd donated to the gay marriage ban. CMT had presented Shaiman's "Hairspray" twice -- in 2004 as a touring show, and in its own production last August. "He certainly sounded like a gentle man," Shaiman said. "He basically gave me that thing we're just sick of hearing: `These are my religious beliefs, but it's nothing personal.'... I just told him I'm disgusted at that use of money that came in some way from a show I created."

-- Mike Boehm

Photo: Scott Eckern. Credit: Charr Crail

Comments

[Jake Logan]

I voted No on Prop 8. That said this is outrageous. I thought I lived in the United States and was protected by my 1st Amendment right to Free Speech. He has the right to voice his opinion without being fired. This is America is it not. And stop with the hypotheticals about what if he had supported denying rights to African Americans or Hispanics. It was on the ballot for God's sake and he had an opinion that he expressed. Get over it, Denying him his free speech rights is NO DIFFERENT, than denying same-sex couples their right to marry. I'm embarrassed by both sides.

Get over it! The People that do not want to live in, next too, or with or in, a Homosexual or Lesbian lifestyle have spoken.... Prop. 8 has passed and yes the definition of marriage is between a MAN and a WOMAN. As Mr. Newson, in San Fransisco said "Like it or not"..... and even better small little children do not have to be indoctronated with the "Dirty" lifestyle!

[Cookieone]

I know that many aspects of the entertainment industry, particularly the stage, is dominated by homosexuals. But it never occurred to me to consider that a reason to keep me from appreciating the talent and imagination they bring to the stage. Too bad they can't extend the same impartiality to their fellow employees and to the public on whose patronage they depend. We've lost an excellent man in Scott Eckern. I will definitely think twice before I put any money in the pockets of such intolerant bigots again.

[Blue]

This story is just disturbing beyond belief. Don't people see that targeting people for their beliefs -- and their participation in lawful political activities -- is exactly what conservatives, and many moderates, in this State fear from the so-called "progressives" (who are often more ideologically limited and blinded than conservatives) and gay rights activists? During the campaign, the No on 8 campaign kept decrying as "lies" all arguments that even suggested that same-sex marriage was part of a larger ideological agenda. These kinds of activities just reinforce ordinary Californians' suspicions. If people weren't voting out of animosity before (and I truly believe that most Prop. 8 supporters were not motivated by hatred or bigotry), you better believe that this kind of thing is going to create a lot of ill will for the gay rights movement.

Cloak yourself in some "equal rights" rhetoric if you like, but what was done to this guy is shameful in the most extreme. Sheesh . . .and people are upset that Mormons appear to be "imposing" their beliefs on society? Talk about hypocrisy!

[Jeff]

Unbelievable. I voted No on Prop 8 but if given the chance would gladly change my vote. The gay community has shown themselves to be hateful, bigoted, ignorant, and downright horrible. I can't believe how they are trying to abuse people into giving them rights, the movement has completly lost my respect. I didnt vot Yes, but I respect peoples right to vote whatever they want, its called Democracy. Shame on all of you who have vandalized, written horrible signs, targeted specific churches, and stopped and burned crosses. Thank you Scott for rising above and being honorable!

[Randy]

Boycotting is not being a biggot. Though, back in the day, I am sure you would have told the slaves they were biggots for not shopping at their slaveowners store.

Remember money talks....Governments all over the word sanction other countries because their beliefs and actions cause harm to others.

You can choose to believe what you want and I have no issues with it, but that doesn't mean I have to contribute to your livelyhood either or provide you money so they can use it against me later.

We speak with our pocketbooks and choose to spend our money as we see fit. I hope companies like Marriott Hotels face the same fate the Coors faced years ago for trying to take our hard earned money and then using it against us later.

[irene]

My respects to Scott. I am very sorry for the loss of your job.
God bless you.

[DWinOC]

So, let's see ... Eckern acts on his beliefs in support of 8 and because he holds a somewhat high profile role in a theater (an industry with a high concentration of gays) he is beaten into submission by all the bullying of the No on 8 crowd and resigns. At the same time, Jack O'Connell, Schwarzenegger, Fienstein, et al use their office as bully pulpits in opposition to 8 and they are heroes. What a pitiful display of double standard by the gay marriage proponents. That their most commonly used tactics in support of their cause are initimidation and harrassment speaks volumes to the lack of merit of their cause and the weakness of their argument.

PS ... please spare me the posts decrying my bigotry and hatred.

[NorCalJoe]

ATTN ELIEZER,

You wrote "...No gay rights leader has ever been assassinated for his or her beliefs. Gays were never enslaved or lynched in droves. They were never denied the right to vote or own property. They were never segregated from the rest of the population. They have no idea what it means to be treated as a second class citizen."

OH MY GOSH, Eliezer, are you sadly uninformed.
- Go see the film "MILK" which is now in theaters. It's the story of ASSASINATED gay rights activist Harvey Milk
- Gay people were rounded up and EXTERMINATED alongside Jews and Gypsies by the Nazis in WWII. We were labeled with an upside down pink triangle.
- Gay/Lesbians have every idea of what it means to be treated as second class citizens. We have been 2nd class citizens since the beginning of time - Prop 8 has again relegated gays/lesbians back to 2nd class status.

I'm willing to bet that you frown and scowl in disgust every time you see a gay person, couple or family. It's your personal bias that is so deeply engrained in you that causes you to despise gay folks. Same thing with the Mormons who made Prop 8 happen, yet proclaim that they love gay people. Poppycock to that - it's discrimination plain and simple.

WAKE UP, ELIEZER, open your eyes. Get an understanding of the history of discrimination throughout time direcetd toward the gay community before you embarass yourself again because of your ignorance.

[tired of going in circles]

an eye for an eye until the whole world is blind.

ahh, you gotta marvel at the utter futility of the human race.

[Annie]

I can not recall in my recent memory so much hate by a group of people trying to get their point across. The gay community is doing more harm then good to their cause by acting out in such a hateful,ugly way!
There was not one group or community that passed prop 8, it was many! To target ANYONE is WRONG!!! The majority of this Country believes that MARRIAGE between a MAN and a WOMAN is ordained of GOD.
It is not about hate, it is not about wanting to tell another how to live and I truly wish the gay community could see this. If they want to have gay relationships, thats their right but the MAJORITY of this Country does not have to have in thrown into our schools, our homes, our lives. I DO NOT force my life style on anyone and I would ask that no one else force theirs on me!
The fact is that if you believe in the Bible then you CAN NOT pick and choose what you will and won't live by in it's teachings, If you believe in the Bible then you KNOW that Marriage is SANCTIFIED BY GOD between and MAN AND A WOMAN.
I really am so ashamed to see that someone has lost his job because of his beliefs, the gay theatre community should be begging him back and apologizing for the hate they have shown him.
I WILL NEVER GO TO ANOTHER THEATER SHOW AGAIN!!!! If this is the attitude and real character of those I am paying to see!!

[Jeff]

Mr. Eckern's actions are not congruent with his role in the theatrical community. If he wishes to hold to his beliefs (and support it with his money), then he should be better off doing stage shows for the Mormon church in Utah. It's hypocritical of him to profit from theatrical works created by gay and lesbian artists and then to turn around and back-stab these artists by supporting Prop 8. Hopefully God will be kind to you and your ilk and show you the errors of your way.

[Colby]

No one made him quit. Period. If he were fired because of his decision to support Prop 8 I would be upset. Because 2 wrongs don't make a right. But just as people have the right to vote for Prop HATE, we in the opposition have the right to boycott and protest. And as for the people upset over this - I point you in the direction of our nation's history when cops harassed and arrested blacks for walking instead of riding the bus. Not this time, folks, not this time.

[robinla]

The argument that equating the rights of blacks to those of gays is 'not the same' is completely preposturous. Gays did not choose to be gay anymore so that blacks chose to be black. We do not need to be lynched (although some have - remember Matthew Shepard?) or ensalved to demand our EQUAL rights. Our rights are not costing you anything. When blacks start to come out of the closet and stop the 'DL' mentality they will start to reduce their incredibly high AIDS rate and be more accepting.

[NorCalJoe]

Yes on 8 people just don't get it - complaining that gays & lesbians and their 48% of California supporters don't just accept the results of the vote on Prop 8 and go away quietly.

This is not an issue of whether we should have a high-speed train, or whether we should spend money on some infrastructure. This was a very personal issue in which a group of people, fellow citizens, had their equality stripped away. IT IS PERSONAL. Would you just sit by quietly if it happened to you?

So the yes on 8 folks need to deal with the aftermath of anger and outrage by the minority group. Protests in the USA are nothing new - Americans have a very long history of protesting intolerable policies - beginning with the Boston Tea Party protesting the unbearable taxation policies of King George.

So, if those who had their liberties taken away from them are angry and call for boycotts against those who financially made this happen - so be it. Deal with it.

You reap what you sow.

[itsonlyokaytodoifyouareconservative]

Of course, conservatives have never ever used boycotts to show their disapproval with anyone supportive of gay rights (McDonalds, Ford, Disney). No one forced Eckern to donate to Prop 8 or vote for it. He made a choice and taking the consequences like an adult, unlike some of the commenters here.

[JT]

FRom all I'm reading NO ONE ASKED him to leave. He choose to leave. It's not personal he says well religion and one's belief's are personal.

[Randi]

I think its great that he stood by his believes. Yet, in an industry with a large prportion of LGBT people, you should be more open minded and accepting.

This also comes to show that the LGBT community and its allies are a strong force in this country---and can shake and move the industry.

[bill]

since he left i won't be going to the that theater anymore

[adam]

another example of the intolerant no on pro 8-aters(yes some are honest in heart but their leaders and many others), no tolerance of anyview but their own. they will destroy you if you don't agree. just look at what they do at the churches or anyone else that stands in their way. this will never stop at marriage. Guaranteed it will be pushed to the schools and taught in the schools-whether we like it or not