Posted on 10/14/2008 5:14:27 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Supporters of gay marriage in California are scrambling to raise funds in response to an unexpectedly strong campaign by Christian conservatives and others to amend the state constitution and ban the practice.
Proposition 8, a state ballot initiative up for a vote on November 4, would amend the state constitution so that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognised in California”.
Gay rights activists were shocked when a public opinion poll published this month found 47 per cent of respondents favoured the measure, with 42 per cent opposed and 10 per cent undecided. The result was based on polls conducted through the summer in this usually liberal-minded state.
A spokesman for “No on 8”, the group leading the charge against the proposed amendment, said it had been caught off-guard by a television advertisement blitz by gay marriage opponents. “They have raised a tremendous amount of money, and as a result they have significantly out-bought us on TV,” said Steve Schmidt. “Every time somebody sees one of our ads, they’ve seen two of theirs.”
Mr Schmidt said more than 11,000 gay couples had tied the knot in California since May, when the state’s supreme court struck down two laws that limited marriage to unions between a man and a woman in a split decision. The move effectively cleared the way for local authorities to begin issuing marriage licences to gay couples.
The advertising campaign backing the proposition, launched last month, features footage of San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom speaking before supporters about gay marriage, saying “The door’s wide open now. It’s gonna happen, whether you like it or not.”
As of last week, gay marriage opponents had raised more than $19.7m, compared with $18.5m raised by gay marriage supporters, according to data compiled by the Los Angeles Times.
Brad Pitt, the actor, and Steven Spielberg, the film director, are among those who have contributed large sums to the “No on 8” campaign. Christian groups, including the Mormon church, are among the biggest financial supporters of the marriage ban.
Mr Schmidt played down suggestions that an expected high turnout on election day by African-American voters supporting Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama could be contributing to the “Yes on Proposition 8” campaign’s strong performance at the polls.
“There is no question that African-American and Latino communities are social conservative communities,” Mr Schmidt said.
But he added that younger voters – among whom Mr Obama has also performed well – tended to have more favourable views towards same-sex marriage.
Lefties are in a panic because the fact that their view on alternative “marriage” is a minority viewpoint might be exposed...in California. Now all we need is for some Hollywood type to call all those in favor of the ban “idiots” or “ignorant” indignantly.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I’m shocked that anyone would equate the union of a man and a woman with the union of two men.
Moral standards keep sinking lower and lower. And now they’re about to elect (fraudulently, Mugabe-style) a Nation of Islam-style anti-American candidate to the presidency.
Jefferson is rolling in his grave.
They're shocked by the poll numbers? Since when do they care about poll numbers?
Sickening. This is my State. Most populous in the Nation. I would be shocked if narrowly Prop-8 is opposed.
The conservative groups have a great weapon in Mayor Newsome’s outburst.
He keeps screamig in his shrill voice that its coming whether you like it or not.
Still, 5 point deficit is a travesty.
“Sadly, if we continue on our current path”
Most of the illegals the Dems are wanting to let in will support socialist ideals.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
The thing that frustrates me more in life than just about anything is truly conservative people who vote Democrat.
My next door neighbor is one. My wife's aunt in Pennsylvania is another. One of my coworkers is another.
These people honestly believe Obama is going to be better on taxes, is more likely to cut wasteful spending, and even is more likely to limit abortions(?!?) The list goes on.
The people they vote to elect are fundamentally opposed and hostile to their beliefs and the institutions they hold dear, but the MSM has convinced them that it is Bush and the Republicans that they realy need to fear.
The ads with the San Francisco mayor saying “Like it or not!” have been very effective.
I have said all along that 8 will win easily despite the earlier push polls. The same goes for MacPalin. America is not lost, just a little disoriented and confused.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
In that political climate, I bet Gov. Sarah could take that state. -:)
54, and I’m fairly confident that Sarah will get them.
The poll mentioned in the article was an urban-only poll, thus it should shock the mud packers.
brilliant (and simple) idea. I hope they take your advice, and give you a pile of $$$$ for suggesting it.
Your neighbor, and your wife’s aunt are what we used to call “mentally retarded.” The record of the dems is clear: they love abortion, taxes and tyranny, and hate freedom.
Question: what happens to those “marriages” if Proposition 8 passes?
I just sent it to them again. No money needed. Just makes common sense. Half the people in this country would jump off a bridge if Obama told them too, so why not use his words to their advantage.
Ironically, he opposes Prop 8 but he says he supports marriage between one man and one woman. Well, if that’s what he says, then use his words to help pass this thing. At least half his supporters will say “really, well if Barry says it’s ok then it must be ok”.
Sometimes (usually always) the simplest ideas and messages are the most effective.
Interesting facts on the gay marriage ban. Whites that oppose the gay marriage ban are voting for Obama. Whites that support the gay marriage ban are voting for McCain. Blacks who oppose the gay marriage ban are backing Obama. Blacks who support the gay marriage ban are backing Obama.
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