Mormons’ $22M Backing of Prop. 8 Incites Critics

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Mormons’ $22M Backing of Prop. 8 Incites Critics
by Kilian Melloy
Tuesday Nov 4, 2008

A married lesbian couple answer a knock at the door and find two Mormons standing on their front porch.

"We’re here to take away your rights," the Mormons announce, before shoving their way into the house, stripping the wedding rings off the womens’ fingers, and ransacking their belongings.

"You can’t do this!" one of the women cries, to which one of the Mormons answers with a low, evil chuckle.

"We have rights!" they protest as the Mormons rip their marriage license in half.

"Not if we can help it," the Mormons reply.

Strolling out of the women’s house, the Mormons jauntily trade remarks: "That was too easy," says one.

"What should we ban next?" the other one asks.

That’s a basic description of a TV ad produced by activists Dante and David Atkins and paid for by Courage Campaign Issues Committee to warn California voters that a yes vote for the anti-gay ballot initiative Proposition 8 is, in effect, a vote for a church-sponsored re-writing of California’s government.

Members of the Mormon church from around the country have funneled $22 million into the state of California in order to revoke the existing right of gay and lesbian families to marry, reported a November 4 article at The Huffington Post written by Rick Jacobs.

Moreover, the article recalls attempts made by a prominent member of the Mormon faith to extort money from businesses that have supported GLBT equality and marriage equality in particular.

The article also said that the Mormon church had helped to create TV ads that spread untruths.

The Huffington Post article mentioned a letter signed by 17,000 people which called on the President-Prophet of the Mormon church to decry such conduct, but when an attempt was made to deliver the letter, those carrying it--including the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of California, Rev. Eric Lee--were turned away.

Later on, the letter was delivered, the article said, thanks to the efforts of gay ex-Mormons still living in Salt Lake City.

The article said that in addition to the TV ad showing the married lesbians coming under attack in their own home, the contents of a memo were published in the Daily Kos that demonstrated that the campaign to roll back civil rights for gays and lesbians in California is one early step in a long-planned campaign.

The memo, dated March 4, 1997, talks about strategizing to oppose "H.L.M." (Homosexual Legal Marriage) in Hawaii, one of the first states to amend its constitution to prevent marriage equality from being extended to gay and lesbian families.

The Huffington Post reported that the Mormon church did release a statement about the TV ad.

Read the statement, "The Church has joined a broad-based coalition in defense of traditional marriage.

"While we feel this is important to all of society, we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue. It is unfortunate that some who oppose this proposition have not given the Church this same courtesy."

Wrote Jacobs in the Huffinton Post item, "Then, late Monday, the Yes on 8 ’coalition’--which is really a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mormon Church with token investors from other right wing outposts--issued a statement decrying the ad as ’bigotry and intolerance.’"

Yes on 8 was not alone in attacking the ad as being bigoted and anti-Christian. An article posted Nov. 3 at the right-wing Christian news site Christian News Wire described the ad so: "[It] depicts supposed missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day [sic] Saints conducting a home invasion of a lesbian couple’s home to steal their wedding rings and rip up their marriage license."

The Christian News Wire item quoted the chairman of Yes on 8, Ron Prentice, as saying, "This ad reaches new lows of religious bigotry and intolerance."

Prentice called on the No on 8 campaign, and on several prominent California politicians, including San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom and California senator Dianne Feinstein, to join him in decrying the ad.

"After all, the No on 8 campaign has been running their own television commercials saying we must all oppose discrimination and intolerance whenever we see it," Prentice said.

"The bigotry this ad shows to members of the LDS church demands action now."

Christian News Wire reported that Frank Schubert, the campaign manager for Yes on 8, sent his opposite number at No on 8, Steve Smith, an email urging the same thing.

As reported by Christian News Wire, Schubert’s email read, "This [ad] is a blatant display of religious bigotry that has no place in political discourse."

The view expressed in the article at The Huffington Post was somewhat different. Wrote Jacobs, "The Mormon Church and its very junior partners in California owe all of us an apology.

"They seek to use the constitution to strip fundamental rights--in this case of same-sex couples to marry--away from millions of people.

"They lie in television ads. They blackmail.

"And then they invoke their religion to say that they are allowed to lie and hurt people, but not if they are caught."

Added Jacobs, "It’s simply too much."

Jacobs continued, "Thirty years ago, the Mormon Church at last decided that it was okay for African Americans to join its priesthood.

"Maybe, as we see real change in Washington, the Church will understand that it’s time now to welcome all people into its vision of America and thereby join America as well."

In Utah County, Utah, reported the Daily Herald on Nov. 4, about 70 supporters of California families gathered for a candlelight vigil in opposition to Proposition 8.

The article quoted organizer Melissa Poole as saying, "My main purpose in doing this, in light of Proposition 8, is that I want our gay and lesbian friends to know there’s a base of support for them here in Utah County."

Added Poole, "Everyone deserves love and tolerance and to be able to make choices that are best for their lives."

Fellow organizer David Whitlock added that marriage equality was a matter of civil rights and cited Martin Luther King’s efforts on behalf of African Americans.

Said Whitlock, "Different cause, same mission."

View the anti-Mormon video here:

Kilian Melloy reviews media, conducts interviews, and writes commentary for EDGEBoston, where he also serves as Assistant Arts Editor.

COMMENTS

"Mormons’ $22M Backing of Prop. 8 Incites Critics"

Anonymous, 2008-11-04 16:03:23

It is interesting how "journalists" quote each other instead of researching the facts. Rick Jacobs of the Huffington Post was just spreading lies about the Mormon Church. The Mormon Church is not running the campaign. It is being run by ProtectMarriage.com who sponsored the Ballot initiative.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-04 21:05:18

Wow, its not very hard to see what side this article is biased towards. What happened to balanced reporting? Everyone,including Mormons, have a right to support measures that they deem neccessary. The Mormon church feels it is neccessary to keep the important title of marriage reserved for its original intendants. They have that right, just as others have a right to oppose that. The attacks and slanders on the LDS church have been incredible. Who are the real bigots in this debate?

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Anonymous, 2008-11-04 22:56:53

When the Mormons decided to enter the political arena, they basically gave their opponents the right to run such ads. This ad hits hard, but no more so than many other political ads. The ad is not bigoted, it just calls a spade a spade.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 01:36:22

Religous people of all faiths who support traditional family values are involved in the effort to pass Proposition 8. Further, the Mormon Church has not spent 22M on this effort as claimed. So, why the distortion about the Mormon Churchs’ involvement? And whay does the video depict an LDS missionary rifling through a woman’s underwear drawer? Can’r opponents of the proposition win on the issue?

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 10:47:58

What ever happened to separation of church and state? Religion has no place in politics - it holds too many emotions which cloud information and judgment. As a side note, I will never understand the audacity of any person who feels it is there right to dictate how others should and should not live their lives. This is a repulsive characteristic for someone to have - instead of trying to keep other down, try worrying about your kids: are they happy, healthy? your family - are they happy, healthy? do you have food on your table and a bed to sleep in? do you earn a living to provide? Worry about these first.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 11:23:36

it gives them no right to write such ads. This ad is a blatant attack on all religions. You do not see homosexuals in yes on 8 ads. You do not see actors reading lines that portray them in a bad light. Proposition 8 was backed by a wide variety of people. Attacking the Mormon church for what their members choose to donate to is ridiculous. Proposition 8 passed and the majority spoke. It shows that four liberal judges cannot overturn the will of the people. It alsos shows that "bullying" to be politically correct will not work. The no on 8 even outspent the yes on 8 and it still prevailed!!!!!

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 11:23:44

Separation of Church and State? Before you say something stupid like that, do a little research. The "Establishment Clause" has nothing to do with a religion’s free speech rights to express its point of view. Assuming you’ve never read the constitution, it says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." In other words, there can be no state sponsored, or state established religion. Ok, now that we have that cleared up, how does that have ANYTHING to do with this issue?

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 12:09:27

I am so disgusted by the intolerance exhibited by the supposedly "tolerant" citizens of America. As mentioned in a former comment, one does not see the suporters of Prop 8 tearing down signs and spreading lies about the opposing side. We are just trying to stand up for our beliefs. Isn’t this a right as an American? Why must the supporters of gay marriage take away our rights? Why do we have to alter our views on a practice (marriage between a man and a woman) that has existed for centuries? Be decent and leave the supporters of Prop 8 alone.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 13:09:24

If this were a "Mormon" issue, it would have failed miserably. (See Obama vs. McCain - which one were most of the Mormons voting for? Not Barack.) So do the math, folks. Prop 8 was a victory of mainstream American values over a very small, but extremely powerful special interest group (along with their condescending Hollywood sympathizers) and their self-serving agenda. Nothing more - nothing less.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 14:23:12

If Mormons had control over American issues, Mitt Romney would be president. As it so happens, Obama is going to become president. And he supports man-woman marriage but also supports leaving the decision in the hands of the individual states. California decided. In fact, this was the second time a decision had to be made since the California Supreme Court overturned the decision of almost 63% of the population.I voted for Proposition 8 because I believe it was beneficial for soceity as a whole even though it inevitably disappointed a substantial minority. I didn’t do it because some religion told me to.Marriage is a timeless institution that exists independent of all faiths. You can lash out all you want at the religious, but in the end, you’ve only toppled a straw man.The real issue is what’s beneficial for society.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 14:25:11

To the Yes on Prop 8 Campaign. I would recommend your community enjoy and savor this win. In the end, the Gay/Lesbian community will not allow this constitutional amendment to stand. We will return with our own proposition, which will overturn the Prop 8. In case you didn’t pay attention, there were 4,760,336 Californians who voted against Proposition 8. Your win is a minor impediment, but our community will continue forward with our goal to gain marriage equality.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 14:29:51

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 15:26:39

It is not unjust to treat something inequally when it is actually inequal.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-05 15:37:51

Society has an interest in promoting children having a mother and a father. Marriage is the way a Mother and Father are bound together legally with their child. All insitutions have their standards that allow them to perform their function. One of the main purposes of marriage is to give children an opportunity to have a loving mother and father. All institutions have their standards. Football teams, educational insitutions, the Military. These standards help the institution meet their objectives. Just saying I want in - is no reason to change the standard. Marriage is about providing children with a mother and a father. When a child loses a mother or father through abandonment, or death, we rightly call it a tragedy. Likewise a child never having a Mother or a Father because society decided that 2 men were as good at raising a child as a mother and a father is a tradgedy. Which in the raising of a child is not needed, the mother or the father? Those who are single and raise good children do an "exceptional" job. Unfortunately too often it is an exception. But on a whole a child missing a mother or a father is more likely to engage in drug addictions, crime, and be poor. Thank goodness Californian’s had enough sense to think of the good of their children. Of course traditional families are imperfect- people are imperfect. But just because the traditional families garden has a few weeds doesn’t mean we abandon it’s definition and say one of the geneders of teh parents is irrelevant. A child who had a mother and father who loved each and them have a great gift. Making sure that the definition of Marriage is between a man and a woman will make sure that society promotes this standard and encourages more optimum child rearing homes to be available to children. And yes it is optimal. A man cannot be a mother. A woman cannot be a father. Two men can’t even create the child so vital to society’s future. One man one woman - Marriage -- Best for children. Thank goodness for the Mormons!

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 10:47:54

. . . and what would have been the reation of the gay and lesbian movement if the proponents of propostion 8 showed a gay couple kissing in front of a room of school children while parents were gagged on the side? Fair? The outcry would be tremendous. Bigotry is bigotry. Just because the ad supports your position does not make it right.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 13:11:10

As the LDS (Mormon) Church was instrumental in funding and pushing for this dispicable legislation,I called their administrative offices today, stating that I was calling for personal reasons regarding the church involvement with Prop 8 in California. The woman stated that they had received a number of calls already, and put me through to James Arne(?) who took my call. I told him in a conversation (mostly a monologue) that lasted 5 minutes or so why I felt the church should NOT have interferred with what is a FAMILY issue, and asked him how he felt about what he and his church had accomplished. Somewhat to my surprise, he responded that he had "mixed feelings" about the action as he has 2 gay members in his own family. I went on to explain how this will impact my life, how his church has conveniently changed its own ideologies in the past to suit mainstream society---i.e. polygamy, blacks in clergy, etc---and how dispicable it is to disrupt and destroy the families of others.He gave me all the time I wanted, and was very polite. I don’t know what impact a conversation like this has, but I had to do SOMETHING to let these people know their actions and prejudices affect REAL people, and REAL families. I suggest you do likewise!LDS offices: 801-240-2205http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 13:57:19

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 22:57:55

Keep your G*D DAMN H8 in your own state.My meternal half of my family are all LDS members who respect me as openly gay.I will NEVER return to Utah, where my parents brought me every summer, where my great grandparents, grandparents, uncles and aunts are buried.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 22:59:07

maternal typo

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Anonymous, 2008-11-06 23:01:53

Utah, LDS, and Marriot Hotel you messed with the WRONG people. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210139/mormon2.jpg

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Anonymous, 2008-11-07 13:53:05

The opposition to Prop 8 are looking for the boogie man to blame for their loss. It gives them purpose and helps them to forget they lost the popular vote. I was involved with supporting prop 8 and found that 98% of the people I spoke to who supported prop 8 had no hatred towards gays. Our experience in CA has been the hate has almost exclusively been spewed by those opposing prop 8 and now it’s only going to get worse. Now is the time that the real hatred and bigotry will show itself.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-07 14:39:32

It is so interesting how this issue can be taken to a serious and sad extreme. I have had so many gay and lesbian friends throughout the years and they are wonderful people. They don’t posess the same beliefs as myself but they are wonderful people. I dont think this issue is a matter of just their rights. There are reports that many childreen in states where these inicitives have been passed at a young age are being subject to learning things that they don’t even have a clue about yet. They are haveing field trips to gay marages without informing parents or letting parents opt out of such events. This is not a matter of why can’t they get a paper from the state saying that they are married it is also a matter of taking away the rights of those that are teaching there own children what they believe to be true and right. I do think that those who are opposing this issue are only seeing one side of it. There were people of all faiths that rallied together to support their beliefs. They didn’t attack the gay comunity they were just standing up for what they want for there children. Is that not why all of our ancestors came here for. So when most of the gay comunity feels like the church is attacking them or who they are that is not so!!! It is a matter of being able to preserve their own belifs and rights as members of the church and as parents of their future postarities.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-08 17:20:24

Fair and balanced since when does the religious right do fair and balanced anything, the mormans have taken it upon themselfs to donate money to have a law passed which VIOLATES their TAX status!

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Anonymous, 2008-11-08 17:27:19

First of all marriage is Not a religious right it is a civil right.Secondly no church has the right to back a proposition intended to go against stated law without lossing their tax exempt status. Thirdly marriage is and has always been a contract between two people. If as some of you say its to raise children then what about those people who can not have children shouldnt they have their marriage contract voided by your standard. And if half of you could actually read you would know the constitution is our founding document for freedom not hate! Stop shoving your morals down my throat! If you are so concerned about marriage and its traditions then why didnt the Mormon Church do anything for those poor children in the off branch mormon cult. Those little girls are forced to marry at the age of 13. Why arent you doing anything about that. What about rapest and murderers.? You still let them marry and what about the divorce rate being 60+%.Dont tell me this is not about the fear you have for a people you know and care to know nothing about. Your people where chased and killed for your belief in having several wifes. What did you learn from that NOTHING! Now you pass judgement on me and my people the opressed have become the opressers!!!!!We will get our rights you can not stop EQUALITY!!!

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Anonymous, 2008-11-09 00:03:36

ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN??MORMONS??ARE WE FORGETTING ANYTHING HERE??

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Anonymous, 2008-11-09 00:05:16

Okay idiots... can we say polygamy??

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Anonymous, 2008-11-09 21:58:58

"Stop shoving your morals down my throat!"The State of California just said the same thing to gay marriage.Again, look at the comments. Which side is actually spewing the hate, bigotry, and ignorance. Clearly it is those in favor of gay marriage.

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Anonymous, 2008-11-13 19:18:29

What an interesting piece of non-journalism. First, the basis for the entire article is not research, it’s a blog on the Huffington Post. Second, the articel describes the Courage California ad as if it is a toothpaste commercial. It is not. It is the least accurate, sleeziest, most hateful piece of advertising that I have seen since Lee Atwater died. Third. it mentions a figure of $22 Million. Based on what? If you did even a small bit of investigation, you’d find that as many Salt Lake City residents gave to the oppponents of Prop 8 as gave to the supporters. Finally - and this is just mind-boggling, the article fails to mention the role that the Holy Catholic Church played in Prop 8. The Knight of Columbus gave $2 Million alone. The opponents of the proposition were not only LDS - the Catholics had a mjor role - both financially and politically. Look at the statements made by the California Catholic Council - the political arm of the church in California. One last point - the Mormon population of California is 2%. Almost one-third of California is Catholic. So who do you think cast those votes? I am Catholic. I have supported the gay community since I was 17 - and that was a long time ago - but their despicable ads and their bigoted response to the vote - to attack Mormons with ignorance and intolerance and hatred has made me realize they have sinply become what they most despised.If you are going to write an article, do some research. And pretend to cover all sides of a story. It’s called journalism.

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