Sunset Strip's hot new hotel at center of Proposition 8 debate

The Andaz Hotel is one of the new hot spots on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. But now, the hotel has become the center of debate because of its affiliation with a San Diego Hyatt hotel, which made a contribution last year in favor of Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California. Details from WeHo News:

Saying that “the use of economic boycotts is an effective nonviolent tactic in the civil rights movement,” the resolution calls for the WeHo’s newest hotel to sever ties business ties with the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Despite that implication, the resolution does not call for a boycott of the Andaz Hotel.

One month ago, protesters came from outside the city to demand the same thing, leaving the Andaz management in the position of explaining that, as a subsidiary of the parent company, no direct business association exists, therefore the only options left open to Global Hyatt would be to 1) cease operations in San Diego (one of their most profitable locations), 2) spin the Andaz off as an independently-owned company or 3) close shop.

-- Shelby Grad

Comments

[Glasgow Celtic]

If you don't like the hotel as a business entity, stay away. If you don't agree with the personal choices of the owners, stay away. Do not harass the entity itself. The entity is not denying you the price of admission to the hotel. If the entity is allowed to exist, then many people will be employed, a status rare in this downward economy. If you are so honest to your principles, stop purchasing Republic of China made products and Saudi oil. The Republic of China and Saudia Arabia do not endorse gay rights, and, in fact, both brutally suppress any flowering of gay life and thought.

[bb]

I dont think there business has been hurt much by this "boycot" infact, not at all. I have a friend that works there and its busier then ever. So, good luck elsewhere

[patilee]

Boycotting a business causing innocent people to lose work is not the way to get your point across in a positive way.

[KellyM]

The argument that boycotts are anti-labor doesn't necessarily hold water, especially in this case. The boycott against the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego is a *JOINT* operation organized by both the LGBT community AND local Labor. We feel that potential guests and - more importantly - organizations seeking conference venues - should be aware that Doug Manchester helped put Prop 8 on the ballot and forces his workers to handle workloads significantly beyond industry standards... to the point where they don't even get to take legally-mandated breaks. If people still choose to do business with him, that's fine... as long as it is an informed decision.

[Jason]

I think that's an acceptable solution or they could also make contributions towards future gay marriage ballot measures or issues to clarify their support for the gay community.

[be true]

I disagree with 'don't bother the entity' none sense.

These are high profile actions taken by large scale economic citizens that use their assets as tools of discrimination.

These same institutions continue to market and solicit unknowing LGBT and allied communities, while using their same profits to keep a system of discrimination in place against them. It's called apartheid.

These corporations and any individual associated with Manchester should be embargoed like South Africa. Maybe then they will see that denying someone rights comes with a heavy price. Until that is crystal clear, our democracy will remain in their profit filled pockets.

Economics = Politics

You don't have to believe me. Adam Smith takes over 600 pages to explain this in Wealth of Nations. The money coming from these piggy banks is being used against you. Don't be a fool.