Prop. 8 marchers hit Long Beach

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Long Beach this evening, the latest protest against the passage of Proposition 8.

The event was largely peaceful. But Long Beach police arrested three people on suspicion of trying in incite a riot. At about 10 p.m., Police and L.A. County Sheriff's deputies were attempting to break up the crowd.

The march was set to begin at 7 p.m., but people were gathering hours before at Broadway and Redondo Avenue.

Protesters started marching about 7:30 and had taken over Broadway, shouting and holding signs. “They’re saying, 'What do we want? Equal rights. When do we want them? Now,' " said Katie Moravec, 30, who lives at Broadway and Gaviota Avenue.

Organizers and police formed a human barrier to separate the handful of Prop. 8 supporters from a few thousand people marching against the measure, carrying signs with such messages as “Did we vote on your marriage?”

CNN was cutting into programming to show the demonstration. It's the third major protest in the region over Prop. 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California. Demonstrations disrupted traffic Wednesday night in West Hollywood and Hollywood and Thursday in Westwood.

More from the Press-Telegram's John Canalis and at LB Report.

--Jason Felch and Alexandra Zavis

Comments

[David Blackburn]

When is the Supreme Court going to take action on these cases?

[A Rothman]

Peaceful demonstration is welcome. They will not win me over to their position when I see out of control demonstrators pulling on fences, wrecking cars and otherwise causing havoc. That may not have happened at Long Beach, but these demonstrations are getting out of control.

[Christian]

Why are hate crimes against Christian being ignored. Bloggers saying terrible things like Burn down churches and no one cares. This is domestic terrorism. We is the TOLERANCE towards Christians, Mormons, Jews and Muslims that support traditional marriage. I can believe what I am seeing!!!!!!!!!!! Christian [ Religious ]persecution is OK and not a hate crime!!!!!??????

This is an atrocity!!! We demand justice. Christians are White , black, hispanic and we need to stand together!!!

[Jeff Stone]

These heterphobic sodomites need to realize that the ammendment recognzing marriage as being between 1 man and 1 woman, husband and wife passed and their bitching isn't going to change it---unless the whacko, arrogant Liberal CA Supreme agrees with them.

[Demography]

Gay rights activists are now targeting UTAH? Less than 14 percent of Mormons worldwide live in Utah. There are more Mormons in foreign countries than is the US.

Talk of a "Utah boycott" is like me saying we should boycott the whole of California because Disneyland made us angry. How many Utahns voted for prop 8? Zero. There were far more Evangelicals in CA against gays than Mormons.

I see a lot of misguided emotion and rash mob mentality by the prop 8 lynch mob. Get out the pitchforks and torches.

[Ariana]

Watching them march past my apartment as I type this.

[kristinallison]

I live one block off the protest route and was unaware of the planned gathering . As a somewhat new resident of California I found it exciting to see the protesters so well organized and peaceful. I voted no on 8 despite being a registered Republican. Equal rights indeed! It is a little disturbing to hear that an organized religion funneled money into the campaign to pass this proposition. 'I say equal rights and justice.'

[Heiress of Long Beach]

I was born in Hollywood and raised in Long Beach, however I currently reside out of state. My parent is a key player in Long Beach politics. I am glad people are taking to the streets of my hometown.

[Robert]

They are not endearing more people to their cause by doing this. Its getting old real fast.

[MJ]

The gays need to get over themselves and focus on the fact that California voted, we spoke, we don't want them marrying, and MOVE ON FOLKS! For them to now harass people that didn't agree with them, and waste taxpayers money with the hiring of police officers to protect the innocent from any harm by the angry gays, is sickening. I am a republican, i voted for McCain/Palin, I am disappointed they lost, but I got over it and I'm moving on. The gays need to do the same thing!

[UnionFree]

You would have thought that there would be more of a push by the gay community before the bill passed rather than complaining about it afterwards.

The fact is that we the people of California passed it as a majority. A ban on gay marriage was originally passed 8 years ago until it was overturned by the split decision of 5 judges this year. It is back on the ballot again and once again it was passed by the people.

Unfortunately, when you live in a democracy you must go by the rules of the majority. Almost half the country is unhappy with the presidential choice this week, but you don't see anyone protesting in the streets!!

[Drew]

So, when was marriage ever a right? When was that enshrined in the constitution (either federal or state) and who and when was that voted on that as part of the constitution?

That being said, if marriage was a right, then can any type of marriage be excluded? And if so, what of polygamy and other "relationships" that are out there?

[Aaron Ruiz]

Its inspirational to see people come together for something so important to so many. The fight is not yet over, and the people of "No on Prop 8" want justice to prevail, be strong, and be safe out there for the fight for equality is now and we are the voices for it.

[Alex Berg]

It is indeed unfortunate that two minorities that have both suffered a similar discrimination over time reconciled to elect an African American to the highest office in the land, but that one minority could not further that reconciliation to include full civil and constitutional standing to the other. What is being 'preached' in the 'Christian' church, black or white, isn't very Christian at all in instilling hate based values against another similarly situated minority, for such values are anathema to anything Christ stood for. But, this battle is in the courts now, and we in the gay community will win, once again, for the march toward freedom is inevitable, and we will not return to the darkness imposed by those who hate.

[Tony in L.A.]

Good for them. We'll keep marching until we have full civil rights. This is not going to end.

[pilgrim]

I searched history and couldn't find anything about gay marriage. I did find however mention of something very similar to what we call civil unions today. If you want equal rights that is fine but don't call it marriage for crying out loud.
I know some are saying this is all about religion but even the people of atheist china practice the old tradition of marriage between a man and woman.
You threw everything at prop 8 except the kitchen sink. You had local polititians on your side, the major newspapers, Hollywood, the Labor Unions, and yes you even change the wording to make it sound that proponents of prop 8 are full of hatred(which is not true). And you know what the people voted "yes" So now you want to rob this country of democracy and force your opinions on others. Fair is fair prop 8 won.

[Scott]

As an American I am very disappointed in what the protesters of Prop. 8 are doing - targeting the Mormon church for the ban on gay marriage. As Americans we have the right of speech, assembly and even of gay marriage, but the protest should be constrained to that realm. There were many other churches, organizations and individuals who donated their time, money and means to proposition 8, but they appear to be forgotten as participants in this regard. Remember that this isn't the first time this vote has been put to the people for consideration (Prop 22 in 2000).

The Mormon church has always held to traditional values and encourage their membership to uphold those values. The Mormon church encourages their membership to love, accept and respect those of alternate lifestyles. This acceptance and respect of individuals does not require an acceptance of their way of life.

Any amount of money given or time allocated to support proposition 8 was donated willingly by each church member according to their own conscience. Mormon church officials did not stipulate amounts of time or money that members should donate.

Having studied Mormon history for some time, this is nothing more than what the Mormon population has endured since its organization in 1830. The Mormons have been continuously ridiculed, assaulted and even evicted at gun-point - even after pleas to local and national government leaders went unheard. It would appear that Americans have not risen above their continued hatred even after 175 years.

I would encourage Americans to engage in their constitutional rights. This can be done without directing their frustration and/or hatred to a single organization or individual. Please protest, that is the right of every American, but remember that there are many more individuals in the state of California that supported the proposition that have not been the target of protest.

[Eric]

I was there and it was awesome.... Long Beach has a huge gay population and the government supports us because they are fair and just here as they are in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Columbus, and countless other cities in the United States. The nice areas of long beach have a ton of gay people and our straight counterparts live together in harmony. We respect eachother. Long Beach....is the 5th largest city in California. The Downtown is starting to bustle more with new restaurants and stores popping up. It is an example of hope and acknowldegement of respect for Gay and Straight alike. The 2nd Civil Rights Movement - Stonewall 2 has begun... it's time for equality and a more perfect union.... hang onto your seats... The creative element of the gay world culture will outlast and out perform... Don't forget we are in every segment of your society and you don't even know it. Yes We Can!

[Alan]

Why are these People so against the way our Society and the Society they are part of operates.

They voted (or should have) and so did the rest of us.

The protests at this point are against the People of California.

[John Moll]

I totally understand and support these protests. If 52% of voters took away one of your fundamental rights, what would you do? I am surprised the protests have been so peaceful and organized. It is a testament to the peaceful nature of gay people, who are now so angry. The Yes on 8 leaders spent 35 milion dollars on negative, misleading and swift boat style deceptive advertising to convince otherwise reasonable California voters to suport a hateful and discriminatory initiative.

[randi]

Thank you to all who are protesting against this prop 8! Keep strong---we will make it through this!

[rdm]

Typical underestimate of crowd size. There were easily 2000 people there, and maybe twice that.

[Notaplaya]

Its very simple!! Its not a civil rights issue. If you read and believe in the bible. then you know there was Adam and Eve, and not Adam and Steve!!

[jpermo]

nonsense that it was 'hundreds'. I just got back and it was more like 1000s

[Dale Griner]

It is good to see that gays have the ego strength to react strongly to one of their rights being stripped away. The Republican majority California Supreme Court decided that there can be no rights that are withheld from Gays. That there must be equal protection under the law. This is a fundamental part of our constitution. Why is it ok then to say that in this area, we can allow unequal protection? I hope that these demonstrations help the public see that gays will not accept second class citizenship. Their marriages are as valid as any others. Their relationships are as committed, loving and important as any heterosexual relationship. If heterosexuals wish to protect the institution of marriage then they should put forth a law to ban divorce.

[heeod]

Give it up. The people have spoken.

[Al Bundy]

These people act like little kids who throw a tantrum when they don't get what they want. I'm hoping they lay in the street and kick their feet and scream.

[Jenny Garth]

Prop 8 protest on Saturday, Sunset Junction at 6PM!!! Urge everyone you know to make this the biggest march for equality in LA history.

[Traditional Marriage]

Get over it. The people in California voted, in fact twice, marriage should only be between a man and women - just like it has been for centuries! The majority does not want gay marriage in California. If you don't like it, move to another state or country.....quite wasting our tax dollars for police during your stupid marches.....

[Mike]

I was there!!! I felt such unity tonight in Long Beach. It was so awesome. I was glad to be part of it. People loved my sign!

[guava]

More to come!

[srla]

The fact that any American would be OK with a mere majority vote limiting the rights of any minority group displays an appallingly un-American lack of respect for Constitutional rights. The Federal Constitution and all state Constitutions and charters were written with the express purpose of protecting minorities from the "tyranny of the majority" as de Tocqvuille termed it. The Federalist Papers referred to this same scenario as "the violence of majority faction".

In essence, the problem with Prop 8 is that it is profoundly un-American to limit the liberties of a minority group based on the religious beliefs of the majority.

What we are experiencing now is the raw anger of a younger generation not accustomed to the bigotry exhibited by the passage of Pop 8. These young people know a society that is far more tolerant than did their parents. Ironically, this bigotry was concentrated disproportionally amongst minority groups that should know better.

But you really can't put the genie back in the bottle. In the end, the younger generation will prevail. John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Alexis de Tocqueville would be proud of them.

[Avenging Angel]

Gays are beloved unto the Lord and his "chosen" just like the Israelites. He loves them because they are persecuted by the modern day philistines.

Mormons will soon learn that they will have to pay for their crimes against humanity with the complete dismantling of their so-called "church."

The Mormon Church's actions of promoting hatred and bigotry by funding -- or urging the members of their cult -- to fund the violation of gay civil rights is a classic example a crime against humanity.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre is another.

If they could get away with it, the Mormons would murder all Gode's chosen gays, just as they did in 1857 when they slaughtered the entire Fancher-Baker emigrant wagon train, robbed the bodies and sold all the valuables at their local tithing office.

The Roman Catholic Church, A.M.E. Bethel, along with the Mormons, will answer for their crimes against humanity too.

Beware sinners who seek to molest God's chosen gays by depriving them of their civil rights.

For ye shall be smitten down with the jawbone of an ass. Judges 15:16

Behold the hand of the Lord. It shall punish the wicked sinners who molest God's chosen gays by depriving them of marriage equality

[mysticalsister]

We attended the march and rally in San Francisco this evening. You can see good coverage at CBS channel 5 in SF, including arial shots that show a march that was miles long and that took up 4 lanes on the road in both directions, and yet, the AP is saying there were only a 1,000 people! There were 9 helicopters spread out along the route -- one city supervisor who took part estimated the crowd at 25,000. I telling you this because you won't hear it on the news.

I have a feeling they're lowballing your turnout in long beach, too. what is the media afraid of? why aren't they telling the truth.

As part of the coverage, they interviewed Bill May, of the "Catholics for Common Good" -- also a part of Yes on 8. Here is my response to what he said in the interview:

Mr. May: In your television interview this evening on CBS, you questioned why the gay community "isn't holding the 70% of African Americans who voted for prop 8 responsible for it's passage." I must say that this brazen attempt to deflect attention away from the Catholics and Mormons responsible for a despicable campaign of lies, half-truths, and twisted innuendo, was very revealing. You are quite willing, it would seem, to throw AA's "under the bus" of public ridicule to save your own skins! I'm quite sure that AA's will find this tactic interesting.

Nevertheless, I thought I might provide you with an answer.

We don't blame AA's because we know that the Yes on 8 campaign put out a robo call and leaflets that targeted AA's and insinuated that Barak Obama was in favor of Prop 8, even though he is on record opposing it. This was a slimy tactic, to say the least, and it mislead thousands of people into voting for a proposition they might otherwise have opposed. Can you refute this?

Is this shameful method of gaining support for your bigotry another example of your moral superiority, Mr. May? Such reprehensible tactics show that you are hardly in a position to judge me or anyone else.

[mysticalsister]

great rally. congrats!

[straight girl]

African Americans have overwhelmingly voted 'separate, but equal' status for a minority group. Mormons and other bible thumpers have voted to legalize discrimination for a minority group, too. All are hypocrites in relation to the history of their struggle for equality in this country.
Since the term "marriage" has been proven to be and considered to be a religious term, the word has no place in our laws or our constitution. There should be no more references to marriage - period. A marriage contract should only be obtained through a church. Government licenses, inheritance procedures, rights to visitation for the sick, and tax laws should reflect 'Domestic Partnerships' across the board. If you want to marry, see your clergymen - keep it out of our government. SEPARATE CHURCH FROM STATE.

[Charles Potter]

The people of California have made a sinful mistake. It is not right for the civil government, even by a majority vote of masses of people, to deny American citizens the full rights and protections of all the people. The church can have its own rules as it wishes but they apply to members of the church.
I have my own opinion of a church that denies others created by God and judges against the teachings of Jesus, and fails to observe the first law of even the church as pronounced by the Christ - Love thy neighbor as thyself and do not judge what is mine only to judge. But it is vital to America that the prejudiced beliefs of the Church body not be transformed into civil laws of the land. We were built on the principle of total separation of Church and State just to prevent such things as Prop 8. It must be thrown out.

[SayItStraight]

What are they protesting--the right of the people to vote? Stop persecuting a religious minority, the Mormons. Why don't you try labeling the 70% of African-Americans who voted "Yes on 8" as bigots? Do you have the guts for that? You speak of lies in the campaign. The biggest lie came from "No on 8" that anyone who votes yes is a bigot. 52.4% of Californians didn't buy into that lie. Accept the vote of the people and move on with your lives.

[Mark]

Funny....what I just read in the LA times made me remember my youth.
The article was quoting an African American man as saying proosition wasn't about civil rights...that gay people "Chose" that lifestyle....weird....not too long ago, actually when I was in grade school, my family and I were in church and the priest's sermon was how black people were just inferior in brain power, morals and general intellegence to white people and therefore should not be in positions of power in this country. Yep....that was the sermon and I remember my mom escorting us all out in protest.
Interesting.....

[karen]

Proposition 8 speaks to the human and civil rights of a minority group. There's something radically wrong with a system that would put questions of basic human dignity to majority vote. That's why this issue will not go away: denying full equality to gays and lesbians violates the principles at the heart of everything America stands for. It's not like other issues; there's no accepting defeat and moving on. History will be on the side of equality, justice, and dignity.

[larry kirschner]

For all the people on here complaining that gays are standing up for their rights, you get over it. This comment board is a flood of ignorance of both history and the US Constitution. If marriage were just a word and a religious instition, as some ignorant posters seem to believe, then there would be no issue. The issue is that "marriage" is a legal contract that provides specific rights and protections--property rights, and immigration rights to name just two. Having state-sponsored marriages that are denied to gays blatantly violates the 14th Ammendment of the Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law for all US citizens. So while, it's true, as some idiots on this board indicate that the Constitution doesn't guarantee a right to marriage, it's also true that it doesn't guarantee the right to a job or to an education or to drink from a water fountain or choose your seat on the bus.

In the last century, brave Americans of all stripes fought and defeated the bigotted majority who were just "excercising democracy" by writing discrimiation into law. I'd say most everyone agrees now who was on the wrong side of history then. Prop 8 supporters are in the same foul company.

[Caitlin]

People, it's this simple: When you apply for a "marriage license" it is a form issued by the STATE of California, and recorded with the COUNTY Recorder's office. That government form filed with a government office, makes this a civil issue - which means that all your supposed "moral" arguments don't mean diddly-squat. Our "morals" are just fine, thank you, it's equality we seek, not your approval.

[Thoughtful]

OK, Caitlin.... I guess folks should just be free to marry their own mothers, siblings, cousins, and have more than one spouse as well. That's what I come up with using the argument you're putting forth.

Morality and law actually SHOULD have strong correlation; where we go wrong, is more when the law no longer reflects what is true and right. This issue is just one example of where that become relevant, but there are many others.

You can't justice, without morality. Period.