L.A. Film Festival head resigns over Prop. 8 donation

Richard Raddon, the director of the Los Angeles Film Festival who has been at the center of controversy ever since it was revealed almost two weeks ago that he had contributed $1,500 to the campaign to ban gay marriage in California, resigned from his post over the weekend.

The nonprofit arts organization Film Independent sponsors both the Los Angeles Film Festival, held in May, and the popular Independent Spirit awards. Raddon is a member of the Mormon Church, which actively called on its congregants to work for the passage of Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. It has been estimated that Mormons gave more than $20 million in support of the recently passed ballot measure.

After Raddon's contribution was made public online, Film Independent was swamped with criticism from "No on 8" supporters both inside and outside the organization. Within days, Raddon offered to step down as festival director, but the board, which includes Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker, Lionsgate President Tom Ortenberg and Fox Searchlight President Peter Rice, gave him a unanimous vote of confidence.

Read the rest of the story here.

--Rachel Abramowitz

Photo: Raddon speaks at a 2007 screening of "Talk to Her".  Credit: L.A. Film Festival.

Comments

[Keith]

I am not sure whether or not his resignation was warranted, but I don't buy his apology. If he truly belives that gays deserve equal treatment, he wouldn't have donated to the campiagn that made gays unequal and stripped away rights. Crocodile tears, Richard.

[busytimmy]

I too find it disturbing that he says in his statement, "I have always held the belief that all people, no matter race, religion or sexual orientation, are entitled to equal rights. As many know, I consider myself a devout and faithful Mormon. I prefer to keep the details around my contribution through my church a private matter." Is he saying that Mormons are zombies and the moment the church says "jump", they jump? There are many Mormons who did not contribute to this hateful proposition. I'm sorry, when you actively support an amendment that strips your fellow citizens, who you say deserve equal rights, of their civil rights it is not a private matter. Bigotry cannot hide behind religion any longer. I am sad that an evidently capable man had to resign over this, but I am even more sorry that he did not follow his heart and believed in civil rights for all.

[JC]

Justified.

[Freon]

If homosexuals have the right to same-sex marriages, why don't Mormons have the right to polygamous marriages?

[anybody's business]

i believe this man is entitled to his personal opinion and as long as his beliefs don't interfere with the performance of his duties, why should he step down? it isn't about equality, it is about usurping the constitution. if you are able to bed and board, care for in sickness and wellness, have financial and medical powers of attorney, and bury your loved one when he or she dies ~ what more do you need? all the above mentioned items cover your position legally.
no, the passing of prop 8 and the backlash against its passage is to remind ALL americans one more time that "they" will fight to the death to get their way, come hell or high water.
these are the same folks who told afro american actors in hollywood to either cut your beautiful locks or never work in hollywood again.
i wish i would support their asses in this after the stance they took against donnie's song, cloud 9 and the actors who lost work, income, houses and so much more because "they" were going to fight against their right to wear their hair in the style they wanted, come hell or high water!! i personally hope it never passes!

[Flex]

I'm a gay man, and I didn't spend one dime to the No on 8 campaign, because I don't believe that I should have to spend money to keep my fundamental rights. So, for this man to spend $1,500 to ban the fundamental right of gay people to marry shows that he is an obsessed lunatic. He didn't like what he saw in the mirror, which was his name on a large donor list.

[Zach]

I'm as puzzled as anyone else, as I was when the whole El Coyote thing exploded. These people donated to Yes on 8, but say they're sorry they hurt anyone. This guy in particular laments the "hurt and pain" the LGBT community is feeling. Did they not consider what Prop 8 would do when they donated? Is the sway of the Church that great that they seem astonished at what they contributed to?

I understand sympathy for them, but I don't share it. What they did had a significant impact on people VERY near to them, and we're supposed to feel sorry because those people found out and were angry? No, those people have a right to be angry and let it be known, as much as Richard had a right to donate for Prop 8 and roll the dice. No one is free from citizens' backlash when he makes a statement on controversial politics.

[awesome0]

He was apologizing for the negative attention that others brought to his film festival because of his PRIVATE donation, not for donating. He donated, like many mormons because he thinks the word marriage is special and sacred. He doesn't oppose domestic partnerships or equal rights, he beleive marriage has a particular definition.

And the whole separte but equal thing is a misnomer in this situation. Heterosexual and homosexual are two different words, because they describe different things. That doesn't mean a homosexual has less rights than a heterosexual because they are called something else. Words are used describe are world, and hence different words apply when thinngs are noticeably different from each other. Even gay rights activists recognize the relationships are different by calling one heterosexual marriage and the other gay marriage. So what is big deal of calling one marriage and the other domestic partenships.

By the way I think the main thing that needs to change is how the federal government recognizes domestic partnerships. Give every domestic partnership every tax break granted to marriages. Either that or we should do things like in europe, where everyone gets a civil partnership, and marriage is a religious ceremony.

[Scotty]

Prop 8 was all about whether to call it a civil union or a marriage. It did nothing to eliminate anyone's rights. Other than using the word "marriage" for the union, all couples in California have the exact same rights under civil unions or marriages. As for Richard Raddon, blacklisting is such an ugly, hateful thing. Are we next going to tell Jews and Catholics what jobs they may or may not have? Where will we stop?

[ms]

Another day, another witch hunt.

[Blue]

This campaign of villification has reached ridiculous levels. There are many, many non-hateful, non-bigoted reasons for people to support Prop. 8. I really feel for Rich Raddon and his family (he has young kids -- Merry Christmas). Just because the GLBT militants say donating to Prop. 8 makes something hateful or bigoted doesn't make it so. If Prop. 8 is affirmed at court and SSM comes up on the ballot again (to overturn Prop. 8), you can be sure that the opponents of SSM will have ample fodder for all kinds of ads from the witch hunts, terrorist activities (white powder mailed to multiple Mormon churches), vandalism, and acts of violence committed by the supposedly "tolerant" and "progressive" GLBT community. This vicious backlash we are seeing is doing more damage to SSM's long-term prospects than all the millions donated to Prop. 8 combined.

[anybody's business]

... guess only the points of view in favor are posted. nice!

[LA Guy]

Freon - Is that a reason for them to go after same sex marriage? Like "We can't have the marriage we want so you can't have the one you want either!"? I wouldn't put it past them but think it is more likely they are testing the waters to see how much control they have over their victims....I mean..."members". What a cult.

[Randy]

Blacklisting people of any opinion is wrong

[LA Guy]

Scotty - Prop. 8 eliminated the right for same sex people to marry each other. Domestic Partnership DOES NOT offer all the same protections of Civil Marriage. That it did was just another of the many lies propogated by the proponents of Prop. 8.

Blue - Lets wait for the investigation into the "white powder" to be completed. You might be very surprised who actually sent the powder and which side will be able to use that in an ad campaign in the future should it be needed. Of course, with all the deceit coming to light about the LDS, proponents of removing the discrimination will have a tough time deciding WHICH lie to remind the general public about.

[Christopher Kirkland]

I know Rich Raddon's family personally, and they are very good, charitable people. The gay community is a disgrace for forcing him out. It is the homosexual community who hates, discriminates, and persecutes, and who wants other's rights trampled on. Not the other way around. They have choosen to persecute the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because they strive to be Christ-like, and therefore are more likely to turn the other cheek. Where weret he protests at all of the HUNDREDS of other churchs that supported the proposition? Has the gay community spoken up about burning the Book of Mormon at a mormon church? Of course not! They did it! Would they dare pull the same thing at a Muslim Mosque, where hey - forget being against gay-marriage - they say stone them to death! They wouldn't dare! But they will organize protests at LDS Temples. What about at balck churchs, which voted 70% in favor of the amendment and by all accounts made the difference in the vote? No way! Cowards! By every legitimate legal expert's opinion, being able to define themselves as "married" would give them no additional rights than what are already available by law. But gays want to FORCE - like Stalinistic DICTATORS - that everyone not only allow their view and preferences, but must be forced to accept it as their own. Hypocrites! Why are you so threatened by someone having a moral opinion that differs from your own? Because you hate freedom. You hate religion and anything that dares to acknowledge a moral compass, because it calls your lifestyle into question. You parrot the same anti-mormon rhetoric that has been used for decades, even though disproven by numerous non-LDS studies (like the "Zombie" statement, which a Harvard study proved to be false by showing that LDS members are far more independent and free-thinking than most even non-religious people). And so, you pick one of the most morally stringent churches on earth to unleash your true vileness. Pathetic. And least you attack me as being a "hater", know that I have several friends and immediate family members who live in various degrees of homosexual lifestyles. Some fight what they feel is an unhealthy and ultimately unrewarding attraction to members of the same sex. Others have fully embraced the gay lifestyle. ALL of them are still my friends, do not feel judged by me, know my position on the matter, and they KNOW I still love them. If you can't figure out how this could be, perhaps you should study more carefully the position of the church and its members you are persecuting.

[Mgherron]

Prop 8 had nothing to do with "preserving a definition". That is purely a nice way for religious nut jobs to think that they are some how superior to other human beings. We are all the same people...what is wrong with everyone?? SOUTH AFRICA has same sex marriage and they had apartheid until 1994. Are we that obsessed with our religions that we can not give other citizens the same respect that we would expect for ourselves regardless of our beliefs? Just because "it's the will of the majority" does not mean that it is the right thing to do. We are supposed to be a country that stands for equality for all citizens. I am ashamed that some of you have the audacity to call yourself American and then vote to write discrimination into the Constitution.

[tide83]

This is ridiculous. Nobody should have to step down or resign because of their religious convictions. This is probably why many religions were so adamantly against this. How long before the GLBT community starts forcing religions to accept gays or face violent protests, loss of employment, etc. all on the basis of "equal rights".

[Mgherron]

@ Christopher Kirkland

If Mormons didn't want excessive criticism of their actions, they should not have disproportionately supported Proposition 8. The fact of the matter is Mormons represent approximately 2% of the population in California, yet Mormons donated more than 50% of the total funds to support Proposition 8 which spread lies and misinformation about gay people.

You need to live in a realistic world where you realize that your actions may have negative consequences that you don't like. You can choose to believe whatever you want, but the second you put money and effort to try to take away my rights, you better be very sure that I will boycott and protest and call you out on your bigoted beliefs that negatively affect thousands of families in California alone!

[randyfl]

This isn't about equal rights. Everyone knows that "equal rights" can be easily obtained by advancing civil unions. This is about acceptance. Coining same sex unions with the phrase "marriage" implies the blessing and acceptance of the state and society in general.

That isn't such a bad thing.

However, the problem with the vitriol, hatred and bigotry that the GLBT is spewing towards the religious is that it will never stop until churches are forced to alter their belief systems to accommodate everyone. By then, the GLBT will have defeated anything or anyone who can possibly speak or feel ill towards their orientation.

[Tom]

Privately held religious beliefs are one thing, but needlessly forcing your beliefs into law affecting others is somethng else entirely.

[Anon]

This looks like he was forced to resign to me. This is getting out of control. Gays lose Prop 8 and then intimidate and attack the majority of the California population and more specifically those that contributed to the majority vote.

[John]

Another case of illegal mob harassment that should be prosecuted: the Los Angeles Film Festival whimps out and gives into the fanatics who are hellbent on hunting down, punishing, and firing everyone who voted for Proposition 8, or who supported ProtectMarriage.com. Such hypocritical fanaticism and acquiescence will ultimately be a total waste and will backfire. All the analogies you can muster won't prove that our society should allow men or women to marry anyone other than someone of the opposite gender. The voters will do whatever they need to preserve our society. With Proposition 8, voters finally displayed a little common sense and backbone, and decided not to allow gay activists dictate everything. It's very disturbing to the average citizen to witness this disgusting triumph of gay activism, and instead of giving in, people should stand firm against the evil tide of gay extremists who want to ruin our society.

[Still Waiting]

I'm waiting for the people who dontated for the "No" side to be forced to resign from their jobs after their contributions become public.

Oh, wait. That will never happen because the "bigots" really aren't bigoted after all.

[Bill Fitzgerald]

Because someone believes differently he needs to step down? i would gladly contribute to yes prop 8. I'll fight against adoption agencies being forced to give babies to same sex couples until the day I die. This has nothing to do with equal rights. This is a moral issue. Right vs. wrong. newborn babies have rights too and we are speaking for them because someone has to. Standing by idle and give gays their way like a whining child. no way. The days are coming where all will need to choose sides. And indifference is choosing the low road of "whichever way society winds blow". We need strong men and women of character and values and morality to stand up against the precepts of men. Some times love is not giving a child everything they want. And before one thinks I do not like gays, one of my closest friends for 30 years is gay and I do not hold it against him as long as it does not harm others and even then I still feel love and empathy for him, he is like a brother. This issue harms others and yet they cry bigot and hatred to manipulate and get their way.

[ElPoblano]

Public punishment or vigilante extremism? ...sounds like intolerance to me. hypocrites.

[ElPoblano]

Public punishment or vigilante extremism? ...sounds like intolerance to me. hypocrites.

[V]

Since when are personal morals supposed to be a part of civil law? Especially morals that claim a religious basis! Why are *your* morals so much better than *my* morals, such that they deserve a place in law?

The Establishment Clause exists for a reason.

[busytimmy]

You can't have your cake and eat it too. This guy is another in a long line of hypocrites who say, " I love my gay (black, Jewish, Asian, Muslim) friends, but I just don't think they should have the same rights as me." Well, sorry but you've been found out. I'm sick and tired of people hiding behind their faith as an excuse for judgment and bigotry. The ballot box is not the place to impose your personal prejudices on society at large.

[Marco Luxe]

"We hold to the doctrine of the separation of church and state; the non-interference of church authority in political matters" [see source of quote below.]

LDS hypocrites! Monson and his councils don't follow the precepts of their own scriptures so howcan it be one of the "most moral" religions? Their living profits [sic] get to change their scriptures whenever convenient.

The stories of the voluntary resignations of the Sac'to music director and the LA film festival director show that the Mormon mond-control company works just as the hierarchy demands. The two men work in entertainment with more gay people than most ever will know, and yet they toed the party line to donate to pass a law against their colleagues. Now that's power over your followers! iI think the mormon party line is PAY UP TO GET YOUR OWN HEAVENLY PLANET; WE CAN EXCOMMUNICATE YOU ANY TIME YOU FAIL TO OBEY. Why else would the hierarchy have such control?

Here's what I found from LDS texts about their belief in the separation of church and state: [Of course much of this was written when the LDS still wanted to keep the Feds off their polygamous backs. How convenient!]

Doctrinal Statement 306
Church and state should remain separate from each other, neither one interfering with the rights and functions of the other.

Joseph ,Smith D&C 134:4,7,9 "We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government"

President Joseph F. Smith: CR1907 Apr 14 We hold to the doctrine of the separation of church and state; the non-interference of church authority in political matters; and the absolute freedom and independence of the individual in the performance of his political duties. If at any time there has been conduct at variance with this doctrine, it has been in violation of the well settled principles and policy of the Church.

I had nothing against the LDS before the jumped into politics. The more I learn, the more I question. They are on the wrong side of history on this one probably because they are "controlled" by old white men segregated from the real world by yes men. Kinda like W. See where that lead?

[Dennis Hagans]

Hello,

As a Christian I for one wish Christians would stay out of the political limelight.

Yes vote your conscience, but don't make a big stink about it, We are acting just like the pharisees of old, We turn our backs on the very people that need Jesus, and paint a big target on ourselves in making our political views open to all.

We have the right to believe what we believe, but no right to force those beliefs on others.

In the years to come, it will be the Christians, trying to get back freedoms we lost, because we made a big to do in refusing others their freedoms.

[Dave]

This is appalling. I have no problem with people that supported Prop 8. I have no problem with people that opposed Prop 8.

I do have a problem with people who have a problem with people who either supported or opposed the Proposition (because they disagree).

Primarily, it seems it's the opponents that won't accept a diversity of opinions It seems the opponents can't accept the possibility for different, yet valid, lifestyles and life-views. It seems that the opponents are the ones attacking people for how they chose to live their lives. The opponents are the real intolerants. The opponents seem unwilling to stop until they have ruined the lives of anyone willing to speak their mind in the affirmative. The opponents reject the possibility (one Rich probably embraces that one can be pro gay-rights AND pro-family. It is possible, but the Prop 8 opponents are trying to paint this as a "us" vs. "them" debate, which it isn't and doesn't have to be. It is the opponents that are creating the greatest in-equalities.

This is appalling. If a man does his job and had the high regard of all he works with and for... then why accept such a tainted resignation and why let the bullies do what they do. It's about time for someone to take a stand against this growing witch hunt. It would have been nice if Film Independent had done so.

[Ed]

Gay fight bigotry with more bigotry. Great plan.

[arapahoman]

This is the New Hollywood Blacklist at work, right before our eyes. Shame!

[mrc]

I have observed more hate speech by the "No on 8" folks than ever came from the pro-8 people. This is nothing more than a witch hunt - it reminds me of the Red Scare of the fifties, and the House Unamerican Activities Committee in the sixties. It's ignorant, and prejudicial in the extreme.

[Alain]

Let's say a 45-year-old man wants to marry his 18-year-old daughter, the girl he raised from infancy, bathed, cradled. She's infatuated with him -- Daddy's little girl -- and wants to be his forever, bound by holy matrimony like any loving couple.

This makes people uncomfortable.

There are biological objections (inbreeding = birth defects), but the man and his daughter pledge to have safe sex, and to abort any surprises. Problem solved.

The issue comes up for a vote: Should this man and his consenting daughter -- and others like them -- have the right to call their union "marriage"?

As a taxpayer and voter, you think about this; it saddens you. Not because you hate the man and his daughter. You've seen them pleading their case on TV -- they seem lovely, intelligent, well spoken. You sincerely hope they find happiness.

But you fear that if they marry, it sets a precedent: Generations of young girls and boys grow up with the idea that they need look no further than their own homes for the perfect husband or wife. This might not happen. But it might. It might. And maybe society would be better off if this couple could enjoy equal legal protection without the title "marriage."

You stammer to articulate your objections, but can’t make your case without using words like "nature" and "tradition" and even "God." You follow your feelings, and make a modest contribution to a coalition opposing "daddy-daughter" marriages. As a result, you're labeled a small-minded, hateful bigot.

That's Rich Raddon. You can disagree, you can kick up a fuss, call his choices misguided...but you can't tell him why he did what he did. Saying he was motivated by hate -- rather than moral stirrings or concern for society -- doesn't make it true.

[Mike]

It IS possible to have supported Prop 8 and believe in equal rights. It is called "civil unions" and all of homosexual supporters know that the cold hard truth is that if this was ONLY about equal rights, they would have pushed for expanding the rights of civil unions to be equal with those of marriage. EVEN THE MORMON CHURCH SUPPORTS THIS! But you know its not just about rights, its about forced acceptance. Its about forcing your definition of marriage on to the public. Marriage is a very sacred thing to people of faith, and they every right to defend it. Remember, although most of them tend to be white and conservative, they have they just as much right to the 1st amendment as you (as hard as that might be for you to believe).

Please stop kidding yourself saying this is all and only about rights. Its about forcing acceptance through the courts. And guess what? A majority of Californians said, sorry, we won't allow it. STOP blaming the mormons. The mormon population makes up less than 2% of the California population. Funny, it seems like nearly 30x that amount voted for the Amendment (?). Or are you saying that it was all about the money? Are you saying that money BUYS elections? Money BUYS votes? If you are willing to make that argument, I wonder if you would apply that same logic to the last presidential election?

Hypocrites.

[Bill Johnson]

It's amazing to me that the people on one side of this issue can take away other peoples’ jobs, intimidate, harass, damage property, threaten, and make hateful disparaging comments. If the tables were turned and the other side was behaving like this, no one would tolerate it. The blacklist is reminiscent of Hugo Chavez’s, would be dictator of Venezuela, tactics that he has used to crush the opposition to his anti-democratic rule in his country. It is discouraging to see that this behavior is being tolerated and justified in the United States. It could be argued that the tactics and abuses of the McCarthy era were based on good intentions, but I don’t know of anyone who would ever publicly justify the means that were used. And yet here we are with a witch hunt going on for supporter of Prop 8 and a lot of people blame the targets of this hate and say that they brought it upon themselves. Since when does having an opinion and expressing it, and lawfully supporting it, justify persecution by the opposition?

[MikeNYC]

If you want to play you have to pay. Removing people's rights can be a costly business in this country as it should be. Raddon contributed to removing the right of marriage from same sex couples, he may have contributed to the destruction of 18,000 or more current marriages and he contributed to keeping the children of same sex couples from ever having married parents. If you want to mess in other people's lives, you are going to pay a price. I don't feel sorry for any of these people. They contributed to hate and now hate to coming back to them. Maybe if these "people of faith" lived by the golden rule, they wouldn't be having these problems.

[Steve Johnson]

I have many gay friends, but I choose to support prop 8, not out of hate or bigotry, but because our children have the RIGHT to a loving father and a loving mother.

I'm grateful to see the black community come out in favor of traditional marriage, at a time when the divorce rate and out of wedlock birthrates are fragmenting the black family, the last thing they need is a statement by society telling them that marriage is a secular institution and that alternative livestyles are just as equal as a household with a loving father and a loving mother.

[essay]

I don't remember seeing marriage as a "fundemental right," which I'm sure would be in the US Constitution Bill of Rights. Even so, any person can marry as long as they are deemed accountable, don't intend to marry a close relative, and marry someone of the opposite gender. If you don't want to meet those longstanding parameters that have been set, the California state government does offer an alternative: domestic partnerships/civil unions, which offer the same benefits as marriage. If that's not true, then perhaps the real effort should be put into bringing civil union laws up to snuff rather than change the definition of marriage, which the majority of people have repeatedly said they do not want. It's too bad people such as Mr. Raddon, who have this perspective and have never harmed anyone, have to suffer from the hands of those who simply disagree.

[Rick E]

Silly me...all those Prop 8 supporters outside San Francisco city hall with their "God Hates Fags" and "Thank God for AIDS" signs. I thought they were hateful but apprantly thats just support for traditional marriage. Wake up...Prop 8 was all about hate and even the supporters know it. Why else would this guy resign "in shame" even when the board gave him a full vote of confidence?

[Scott]

LA Guy

Well spoken. More than equal rights, the gay community wants desperately to be considered MORAL, which the Mormons cannot do. The Mormons differentiate between homosexual behavior and homosexual orientation/thoughts. A homosexual act is considered a sin the same way any extramarital sexual relations (adultery, fornication) are considered a sin. We all have our challenges and our temptations, so an individual with a homosexual orientation that controls their urges is accepted fully into the Mormon Church. To condone sin, to elevate homosexual behavior and make it equal to traditional marriage, would be to abandon core beliefs and faith. I recommend anyone interested in understanding the LDS churches position review "The Family:A Proclamation to the World", which is almost scripture to the Mormon Church. Not much wiggle room.

THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of
the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage
between a man and a woman is ordained of God
and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan
for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—maleandfemale—are created
in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or
daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each
has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an
essential characteristic of individual premortal,
mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and
daughters knew and worshiped God as their
Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His
children could obtain a physical body and gain
earthly experience to progress toward perfection
and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as
an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness
enables family relationships to be perpetuated
beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants
available in holy temples make it possible
for individuals to return to the presence of God
and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to
Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for
parenthood as husband and wife. We declare
that God’s commandment for His children to
multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.
We further declare that God has commanded that
the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed
only between man and woman, lawfully
wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life
is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the
sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s
eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility
to love and care for each other and for their
children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord”
(Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear
their children in love and righteousness, to provide
for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them
to love and serve one another, to observe the
commandments of God and to be law-abiding
citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—
mothers and fathers—will be held accountable
before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between
man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.
Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of
matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother
who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be
achieved when founded upon the teachings of the
Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families
are established and maintained on principles
of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect,
love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational
activities. By divine design, fathers are to
preside over their families in love and righteousness
and are responsible to provide the necessities
of life and protection for their families. Mothers are
primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.
In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and
mothers are obligated to help one another as equal
partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances
may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended
families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants
of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who
fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day
stand accountable before God. Further, we warn
that the disintegration of the family will bring upon
individuals, communities, and nations the calamities
foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers
of government everywhere to promote those
measures designed to maintain and strengthen
the family as the fundamental unit of society.

[Kenny McNett]

Rich, my heart goes out to you and your family. It's a sad day when people can't separate the value of your work from your private opinions.

[Clyde Barrow]

I abstained from voting on Prop. 8. I moved to CA from out of state, and I didn't feel I had a horse in this race. Seemed like modifying the constitution for this reason was inappropriate, as well. After seeing all this witch-hunting, public intimidation, and hypocrisy on the part of the "no on 8" people, I would vote yes if I had it to do over again. Since the vociferous supporters act like crazy people, maybe they really do have something wrong with them. In fact, check out the Folsom Street Fair photo essay on zombietime.com. I disregarded the relevance of that travesty until recently, but now I think maybe it really does tell us that there is something fundamentally wrong-headed and destructive about "gay culture."

You shrieking extremists - explain if you will, how you are going to intimidate anonymous voters in the next election into voting the way you want. You can't, of course. All you can do is make a good impression, a bad impression, or no impression. Right now, you come across as a bunch of petty, vindictive thugs -- who are pretty much out of their minds.

Since 70% of African Americans voted yes, and since the Koran teaches that gays should be thrown off cliffs, maybe you should have some strenuous demonstrations in front of AA churches, and mosques. I mean presently, you have given the impression that you only go after soft targets like Mormon temples, and little old ladies. Correct this wrong impression forthwith, that's my advice. Show everyone your even-handedness, honor, and courage.

[Yeling]

Solution:
Gay Unions and Religious Rights Pact.
New state amendment initiative on ballot.
( This way people of California will have chance to decide.) Makes all "unions" of any two adults in california civil unions. Marriage will be a protected religious rite and can be solemnized in conjunction with state law but is considered seperate.
In the same amendment afford religious freedom of choice to people of faith and religions (Religious Conscientious Objector Status). The majority of religious who are moderate towards gay rights would then have a reason to support the new initiative and have their legitimate fears quelled about losing religious freedoms. Their constitutional rights will be solidified and religions will be able to marry and adopt according to their dictates and doctrine. "Liberal" congregations would be able to lawfully have ceremonies for gays. Other congregations will have their rights affirmed not to.

[Andie]

You are fighting for the freedom to marry whomever you wish, what about the freedom others have to vote yes on a proposition and letting it count? If the tables were switched I doubt very much that we would have the opposite parties burning books and insulting those who supported that decision. What is the purpose of voting if it is not going to count? Just because things didn't go your way you are going to have a tantrum? You know that is what you are acting like a child, be grown up about it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion except in this case, why? Don't try to confuse the issue. I don't hate people who want same sex marriages, and I voted Yes on 8.

[Don]

The gay movement in this country has gotten completely out of hand. Of course this man had every right to contribute to a cause of his choosing. That's exactly why we live in the United States of America instead of places like Iraq or Cuba. I believe that homosexuals have the right to express their opinion and this man should have that right as well. To force him from his job, as long as his opinion did not interfere with the way he conducted himself (which it did not outside of the homosexual community making an issue out of it) is un-American, is immoral and is repugnant. Shame on those who profess tolerance, love and a free voice for all, but their actions demonstrate the complete opposite. Shame.

[Don]

Does anyone else notice when the far left disagrees with anyone else, it nearly always resorts to name calling, personal attacks and bitterness? For example, so far those who disagree that homosexuals should be given the right to marry have been called "religious nut jobs", "cult", and "obsessed lunatic". That's just on this board.

Off this board, supporters have been subjected to taunts, name-callling, vandalism, harrassment, threats, white powder (intimidation and borderline terrorism), protestors shouting all kinds of obscenities and carrying signs with untrue claims, and so on and so on. Now a man has lost his job because he exercized his constitutional rights to express his views. There have been hundreds of such incidents so far.

Make no mistake about this. The gay community is militant, has no desire for freedom of speech or tolerance. It is all about silencing and intimidating anyone who dares oppose them. We now have undeniable proof of that.

[bob]

good riddence! glad he was outed. let's pressure everyone to quit who does not have correct political views. this is america, dammit, not some communist state where you have to keep unapproved opinions private.

[Dave]

I am officially ashamed that I voted "No on Proposition 8". The venomous hatred that I have seen against the "Yes on 8" proponents is FAR WORSE than any emotions or behavior that I have witnessed amongst the "Yes on 8" folks. Those of my co-voters who have expressed bigotry against Mormons and others are absolute hypocrites: The True Haters are those wishing ill against the Mormons or others voting their consciences.

Can you imagine the negative reaction from all levels of society if the "Yes on 8" folks advocated blacklisting and boycotting businesses of "No on 8" supporters? Had Richard been a "No on 8" supporter, and had lost his job for his beliefs, we would consider such an outrageous violation of his civil rights.

Shame on us allowing this to happen !!! I am so ashamed at our collective and individual behavior against the "Yes on 8" people. At this point, I'm believing that Elton John's assessments regarding "Yes on 8" were right on.

[Scott]

Amazing: LA Guy says gays want to 'force their beliefs on others like dictators' yet it's the Mormon church who actively preaches against and judges others' lifestyles, goes door-to-door and on missionaries to impose their beliefs on others, and took aggressive action to remove rights granted to a minority. Like most religeons of the world, they basically say 'if you don't think like us then you're wrong.' Just visit Utah to see that philosophy in action.

If the Mormons really want to 'preserve marriage' they can start by fixing their own. 50% of all marriage ends in divorce. That's done more than enough to destroy traditional marriage and family.

[JoeG]

I agree with Mgherron we say there is a separation of state and church, but this is a clear case of relgion interfering with the civil liberties of Americans. I can't understand how people call themselves patrities but still vote for these types of voliations to our most sacriite fundaments of what our country is all about. Our forefathers have to be rolling in their graves. And as for the comment about allowing mormons to have mult spouses, I agree, they should be allowed to define marrage as they believe it should be...This is the whole point. A lot of people came to this country to escape relgious perscution.

[DanP]

The Taliban is alive and well in Californiastan and wearing pink burkas.

[DAnn]

Sorry he felt he had to resign. His belief did not interfer with his job performance. Shame on you for dumping the guilt!

[Zach]

I guess some people need to realize that just because they have some gay friends that don't challenge their opinions doesn't mean that the gay people who do are some kind of radical extremists, nor that their opinions aren't prejudiced. There is no LGBT army, no gay militants, and no gay riots. Stop demonizing your neighbors for engaging in the same political actions that won numerous minorities before them equality that the bigots at that time said were too good for them. Were the Montgomery Bus Boycotts conducted today, half the people here would call for Martin Luther King to be jailed for terrorist activities!

[Allen]

LAFF supposedly promotes and encourages diversity. Such public claims are nothing but hollow rhetoric, as it obviously doesn't promote or encourage diversity on social issues. The only "diversity" that LAFF stands behind is whatever diversity is acceptable to the "No on 8" crowd. Diversity has no meaning when only one point of view is acceptable.

Hypocrites.

[Zach]

P.S. Alain, your "daddy-daughter marriages" are some imaginative fiction! How many of those daddies and daughters filed lawsuits in Sacramento when gays got the right to marry half a year ago? How many showed up to marry their dogs when gays got the right to marry YEARS ago in Massachusetts? None, because these phantoms only arise when people want to scare others away from change.

[Chris]

Some people here have said that Rich and others have suffered consequences for their beliefs or opinions. It is important to note that they have not suffered any consequence for having a belief or opinon, the protests and boycotts have come from them taking away the rights of others. I and other LGBT people like me believe that everyone is entitled to their own belief system and that they do not need to agree with me on anything. However, everyone also deserves to be treated equally and identially under the law. That is the only way our country can coexist with such great diversity. Even if Rich believes he had non-bigoted reasons for supporting Prop 8, he would have to be very nieve to not understand that the LGBT community would feel attacked and hurt by such a proposition and that he would enjoy continued support in an industry dominated by LGBT people. I certainly wish he did not have to leave his job, but to pretend that this is a suprise or that he is being persecuted is wrong. He is suffering backlash from his colleagues because he chose to act in a way that hurt them, whether that was his intention or not.

[Chris]

I also want to comment on anyone calling the No on 8 people hypocrites. If that is true it goes both ways. If this is a reverse situation than the Yes on 8 crowd should not be complaining about their rights, as they clearly feel it is ok to take rights away from others when you disagree with them. Either we are all guarenteed eqaulity and civility or none of us are. Either we are all entitled to the same equal and identical, inalienable rights or rights are something that can be taken away on a whim.

[Scotty]

There are roughly 1200 differences between marriage and civil union. But, those differences are all federal, and California can’t do anything about that.

California registered domestic partner gives all of the legal rights as marriage, on a state level. But, marriage is restricted by federal law (DOMA), so on a federal level, marriage will be man/woman, regardless of what a state says. So whether or not Prop 8 passed or failed, it wouldn’t change the rights or benefits for same sex couples.

California law really does treat registered domestic partners the same as married couples. Cal Fam Code 297.5 provides:

Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.

So to attack someone as hateful or bigoted for not wanting to change the definition of a word is simply uncalled for. Mob rule is when facts no longer matter, as seems to be the case with the post prop 8 aftermath. Blacklisting is the result. It is ugly, hateful and bigoted. I'm shocked that people don't see the irony here.

[Shawn]

The Gay Left are the new Hollywood Blacklisting Fascists.

Don't try to cover up the reality that scanning for donors on a political proposition, then exposing those persons for practicing their First Amendment rights, then demanding that person be fired is no different that the 1950's.

Back then you had Hollywood writers who actually liked Joe Stalin, one of history's greatest mass murderers, yet we decry that they were blacklisted.

Fascism has come fully around. Those who rejoice crucifying Mormons are yesterday's Romans.

[RC]

To force someone out of their job for donating money is stupid. All people are created equal. Not all people have the right to marry.
How about mother's marrying sons, brothers marrying sisters, etc....
The haters are the opponents to Prop 8. Look at what they've done to Richard Raddon and others.
To say, "God hates Fags" is wrong and hateful and should not be done.
But, I will not change the defination of marriage simply because some folks want me to. They have their right to want the change, and I have my right to oppose the change.

[Blue]

In these times no one should be forced out of their job because of their and or religious beliefs. I believe in democracy and I believe marriage is reserved for a man and a woman. Does that make me evil, no, it just makes me a person with a point of view something that I have a constitutional right to have. Same sex marriages are not constitutionally legal in CA, let the courts decide the validity, put a new ballot measure forth in 2010, but stop the witch hunts. Now I know why most every politician in LA supports same sex marriage they are afraid they will loose their jobs. Motivation by fear what a great way to get your way. You can motivate a dog by fear but sooner or later the dog will bite you. This strategy will bite you same sex marriage supporters in your butts as you are alienating many who suppoted your position.

[jj]

Vandalized temples? Book burnings? Defenseless old ladies being brutalized? Upstanding citizens being forced out of positions of respect?-- Does any of this sound familiar?

[Paul Williams]

So are we to expect that those who contributed to the 'NO' campaign will also have to resign from their Hollywood positions? This is utter madness, and I cannot believe it is being tolerated. He spoke out in favor of something he believed in, and is being punished for it.

[Port]

The gay mobbers, torches and pitchforks in hand, are on the march in LA.

It won't be long before they've driven the last few righteous people from Sodom ... er, California. I guess you know what will happen then ...

Los Angeles, California: all the amenities of hell and none of the conveniences.

[Brandon]

I can't believe that in this day and age a man loses his job for expressing the same point of view that the majority of Americans hold and the majority of people all over the world hold, that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Men and women can create babies through their union. That's the main reason it is a sacred union. What does homosexual sex create other than a temporary sense flash of an orgasm and various diseases, of which there are too many to name here?

This man believes that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman and these Nazi homosexuals force him to resign from his job.

Its similar to what is described in the book the Pink Swastika, where the Nazis ( who were mostly homosexual) attacked and forced Jews out of prominent positions because of their beliefs in God and traditional marriage and the Jewish belief that homosexuality is unnatural. I would highly recommend people read that book when I see things like this because they are using the same tactics in 2008 as they did in 1933.

Long Live Freedom and Democracy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Perephone]

Religion in general, and Mormons in particular, are increasingly becoming an impediment to the social progress of America. Thinking people around the country can see the inevitable necessity of removing this cancer from the body politic. The sooner the better.

[steph]

everyone should have equal rights does not mean that others should give up what IS RIGHT and what has been the definition of marriage forever. It doesn't mean that the gay community can just march in and demand things thier way. If they want to have a relationship, thats thier business, but stop SHOVING IT IN MY AND MY CHILDRENS FACES!!! I am not required to teach my children about "Adam and Steve"!!!!! Scripture says that in the last days evil will seem good and good will be viewed as evil... oh, and by the way... I am a MORMON!!!

[LargeMarge]

Hollywood is so hypocritical. One votes according to his moral beliefs, and they boycott his company. Meanwhile, half of hollywood, is participating in adultery, drugs, rape, and a number of other offences. And no one cares. What is this world coming to.

[MikeK]

I keep hearing the argument that all the religious groups are at fault for voting for prop 8 because they shouldn't be mixing religion with law. Is everyone nuts? The whole reason these religious groups are playing politics, is because politics decided to play with religious rights first! If No on 8 was passed, then adoption services to religious groups would have no say if a baby was placed with a same-sex couple. People would be sued for hate crimes just because they chooses to teach their religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
Homosexuals haven't had ANY rights taken away. They are free to marry just as heterosexual people can! Yes it has to be between a man and a woman, but that applies to herterosexual couples too! Marriage does not discriminate against race or gender. So what is it all about? What are we asking marriage to be tolerant of? Well the answer is sexual preference. So if No on 8 passed, do you honestly think over the next century or even the next few decades, that it would just stop at homosexual couples? No because if we're tollerant of 1 sexual preference then we need to be tollerant of another right? So what's next? Brother and Sister love each other so we should let them get married? Uncle and Neice? Owner and Dog? No it's not something that's accepted in todays society, but neither was homosexuality 50 years ago. And that's part of the fight. It's not always about the world right now, but the world that our children have to grow up in, 50 years from now.
The little thread sticking out of the sweater is such a tiny thing, but no one ever seems to step back and think "hey, if it snags on something, then it will fall apart"

[Bringing Sense]

People don't understand what right or wrong is anymore. They think wrong is when one is denied what he wants. Just as I train my children to do what is right, so society must learn what is "right." There is only one place to find what is "right." It's not your opinion, your desires, your dreams, educated or famous people's idea of right and wrong. God did not leave us without guidance while He sits in Heaven looking around. He left us His Holy Word. Folks can deny, discount, and rage against it. It doesn't change the facts that this is the Truth. There's no grey lines here. It's not hate, it's not bigotry, it's simply sin. And gays want validity is society that there sin is not sin by marriage....which is a religious ceremony. How ironic that they would seek out what is truly a picture of Christ and the Church. Unfortunately most will not "get" it and blow this off. I pray that before Christ comes back for His church that you will seek to know Him. He is the only One that holds Truth, power and love to set you free.

[MikeNYC]

Steve Johnson why pretend you care about children when you support an an amendment that enusre that children of same sex parents will never have married parents. You obviously hate these chidlren and want only the worst for them. Tell us why you hate these children and then lie about your agenda?

[Hans]

As to the question about polygamy - lets just get the one on one partnerships sorted out FIRST, shall we? I mean,. persoonlly speaking I've always felt it was "cheating" or "double dipping" or simply being GREEDY when anyone, gay OR straight either has sex with or hooks up with more than ONE ;person, so therein lies my objection with that - why should I go lonely and forsaken and desiring love affection and partnership over here, when some turkey over there figures it s fine to have as many assignments as he/she sees fit? Uh UH. I'm sorry... that's not cool.

I don't dig it when I see dudes (or CHICK, for that matter!) saying "well I'm partnered but my bf knows that I mess around", etc. Screw that! You HAVE a partner... leave the single/available people to people who DON'T have one/any. DON"T be a greedy, self centered PIG, lol

seems like pretty much a no brainer.

No sorry - it doesn't fly as a viable comparison.

[MICHAEL CLARK]

Perhaps only gay and lesbians are entitled to an opinion.The gay and lesbian crowd and cronies are intolerant and do not believe in the right of free speech. Let's make known who gave to OBAMA and rail on those people. Wake up-- this is America and we can believe and support what ever cause we choose. This is not civil rights--it's moral rights. Marriage is a sacred relationship ordained of God. God has made it clear he does not condone same sexual relationships. Gays and lesbians have their rights, but to rub their relationships in our faces and ask us to recognize that as marriage is wrong. God loves them and wants them to repent just like all of us who sin. Mob rule, over throw the will of the people and attack churches-- Gay and lesbian rights too?????
Get real. Those who voted in favor of Prop 8 voted their conscience and should not apologize. I am proud to say I voted for prop 22 and prop 8 and gladly supported these with monetary donations and worked the precincts too. I will donate to whatever cause I choose ,thank you, and I will continue to speak out. Don't take away my civil and legal rights and then call yourselves as sexual deviants civil rights activists!! Support and defend our state constitution as it now defines marriage as between a man and woman.

[Shash Nahalin]

Why is is this any different that the McCarthy era blacklisting?

[jerry]

This is not cool.

The no on prop 8 people are conducting a witch hunt!
This is not how a democracy is to be run! Why can't gay people understand that just because you want to preserve the definition of marriage as one man one woman, we don't hate gay people!!!!

You have all the civil rights as a 'married couple.' I want that to be the case. You're great people! But I don't want the definition of marriage to be changed. Why are you conducting this witch hunt?

[Jerry]

I like what an earlier comment said,
" There are many, many non-hateful, non-bigoted reasons for people to support Prop. 8. "

This witch hunt is just not cool (and not right). I was very much against Barack Obama becoming our next president, but I'm not rioting right now. I understand a democracy works: before the election, you work hard to try to convince voters to vote your way. After the election, you respect what the voters chose!

[MikeNYC]

And the hate continues, not from logic but from emotion. There is NO logical reason to deny same sex marriage. It harms no one, it changes NOTHING except for those who can now get married AND it brings more stability to families. It is beyond stupid to fight something that ONLY does good for other people and the state. Unfortunately, the Proposition 8 supporters use only emotion and fear tactics to support their misguided agenda. They told people that same sex marriage would be taught in the schools, but by supporting Proposition 8 they guaranteed that it was discussed as a current events topic in every school, where both sides of the issue were presented. They claim same sex marriage harms families, but how can something that supports new families, harm any other families? Again, no logic. The same sex opponents say that marriage is a building block of a stable society, yet they don't want people to get married. Where is the logic in this? They claim they are thinking "only" of the children, yet they want to deny the children of same sex couples the ability to have married parents. How does this "help" those children? Unfortunately, ignorance, hate and lack of logic pushed through one of the worst Amendments in California history. It is destined to be repealed and will forever be an embarrassment to the people of California just like the Jim Crow laws are now.

[PDX Tan]

" There are many, many non-hateful, non-bigoted reasons for people to support Prop. 8. "

100% Bull.

[Danny]

Does anyone really believe that the word "marriage" won't eventually be used in the vernacular to cover same- and opposite-sex unions? I live in a state where gay relationships aren't officially recognized, but gay couples I know still say they're married. Do the people who voted for Prop. 8 think that gays will tell their friends and family that they've been "civil unionized"? And if they don't, are cops going to go around handing out tickets to gays who misuse the word "marriage?" Are we going to have semantics police? Twenty years from now, people will wonder why the government goes to the trouble and expense of having two separate forms when the term "marriage" is used in everyday conversation to refer to both kinds of relationships.

[Joshua2415KJV]

Jesus said that "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) This was directed at the religious and non religious, gays and straights, everyone. The bottom line is the only way for anybody, religious or not, to avoid eternal condemnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) is to repent towards God and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) Neither being "straight" nor "religious" saves you. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). The choice is yours. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).

[Andrea]

blacklisting people is wrong.

[Brian]

A voluntary boycott isn't a blacklist.

Where were all the shrieking religious nutcases when boycotts were launched against Disney, Ford, United and American airlines, Chrysler, Apple and United Health for their policies granting health benefits to their gay employees?

Oh, they were probably participating in them.

Can't have it both ways, kids. Mormons and Catholics have been quite adept at firing (or using your parlance, "blacklisting") their organizations' employees for pro-gay views... but now owners of gay bars, heads of musical theater troupes, and heads of gay-focused film festivals are reacting in shock when their customers say either leave or we're not spending our cash with you anymore.

Sure, pro-prop-8 bigots have the right under California's constitution to vote to take rights away from their neighbors.

But LGBT Americans have the right to spend the $900 billion in annual buying power we have with businesses and individuals who don't hate.

Your insistence that you can both embrace bigotry and then demand access to our dollars is manifestly socialist -- ironic, since most of you doubtlessly are Republicans.

Your victimhood schtick is truly amazingly funny. Stand up for your principles, swallow your pride, and accept that gay money is going to go to your competition. Stop whining.

[Terry]

He was NOT "forced out of his job". He resigned. If he had the courage of his convictions, then he would have fought to stay in his position.

The "No on 8" contingent stated an OPINION, that they would not support a film festival which takes money from gay people which goes to the salaries of executives who support repealing their rights. THIS IS NOT A "BLACKLIST". The right wing does this all the time, targeting companies which do not play along with their "moral" agenda, but when gay people do it, suddenly it's a "blacklist" and a "witchhunt"? Sheer hypocrisy.

[Natalie Davis]

Blacklisting? Do NOT compare me standing up for my legal equality to McCarthy and his brand of discriminators. Why must I spend my money with someone who wants me diminished under law? Why? And why can't I let them know? And why can't I tell people? If they choose to stand up for their rights, that's their decision. But DO NOT tell me that I have to reward those who support legalized discrimination and the stripping away of equality. Neither will I pay taxes. Is that wrong too? WHY?

I don't get you bigots -- you dehumanize us and want us to pay for the privilege. Screw off.

[Jim]

Blacklisting people is wrong, yes. But it's also wrong to have someone in a position of authority who alienates a large part of your customer base.

For example, if Women in Film discovered that the person running one of their film festivals had given a large donation to repeal the right of women to vote, Women in Film would be completely in the right to ask that person to step down. Most women do not want their right to vote removed, and would respond very negatively to doing business with someone who feels otherwise.

If Raddon truly sees the error of his ways, I do believe the gay and lesbian community in Hollywood will welcome him back. However, until that time, FilmIndependent's (very large) gay and lesbian customers (yes, folks, it's a business) can once again be at ease dealing with the L.A. Film Festival with him gone. His decision to step down really is the right choice for everyone, because it lets his employers off the hook for his actions and will allow him to seek a position where his personal views are not a liability.

[Chris]

Our polygamist ancestors in the 1800's never asked the government to endorse their marriages. They only wanted to live their lives in peace, but the government invaded their homes. Should the courts now be allowed to invade our voting booths?

We respect domestic partner laws and the rights of private groups to their ceremonies. We also respect the democratic process to decide what government benefits and responsibilities are given to married couples, partnerships or other associations.

Please note that people who carry posters saying "God hates ..." are typically people who also reject Mormons. They are not Mormons.

[Jay]

Chris, it seems to me that Mormon history might have taught you that discriminating against others is wrong. As for your respecting domestic partner laws, why don't you have domestic partnerships or civil unions in Utah or Idaho, where Mormons control the politics? Why has the Mormon Church lobbied against civil unions and domestic partnerships? Why does Brigham Young University expel anyone suspected of being gay? Why does the Church excommunicate its gay members or force them to undergo "aversion therapy"? Your attempt to portray the Mormons as benign citizens will not wash. We recognize hatred when we feel it.

[j]

This is like Hollywood in the 1950s. How many others will be blacklisted?

[Jay]

Who is being blacklisted? Raddon was not fired. He resigned. Probably in guilt and shame because his contribution to deny his colleagues equal rights was exposed. He probably felt very uncomfortable when others found out what he did.

[Truth]

I guess you would have to be gay to really understand the importance of this proposition. I understand that we must have morals and so on, but morals are not always shared. Values are different. Just know, everyone wishes to be accepted, and you're right, the gay community must fight for it, otherwise, who will?