National DOMA Protest

Join The Impact

is organizing a National Defense of Marriage Act Protest

January 10th, 2009

See jointheimpact.com for more details.

Protest Near Vatican Denounces Policy on Gays

Protest near Vatican denounces policy on gays

Sunday, December 07, 2008 10:28 [IST]

Rome : Gay rights proponents have denounced the Vatican’s policy on homosexuals in a small protest near St Peter’s Square. About 200 people, including some Italian politicians, gathered just outside Vatican City’s borders Saturday evening to protest the church’s opposition to initiatives to decriminalise homosexuality in all countries. The Vatican’s envoy to the United Nations recently said that the Holy See opposes a proposed U. N. Declaration to decriminalise homosexuality. The Vatican says unjust forms of discrimination must be avoided. But it is worried that any UN resolution against discrimination on gender could pressure countries to recognize same-sex marriages. The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual activity is sinful. Source : PTI

Gay marriage backers protest at Mormon display

 

November 29th, 2008 @ 7:21am

 

by Associated Press

 

Supporters of gay marriage were out in force when Mormons lit their massive Christmas displays on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple.

They were upset with Mormons’ opposition to same-sex marriage and the passage of state constitutional amendments banning gay marriage in Arizona, California and Florida in the Nov. 4 election.

The Mormon church urged members to donate money and vote for the gay marriage bans.

“They’re shining their light, we’re shining ours,” said Bobby Parker, an organizer and gay Mesa Mormon.

Many members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community view Mormon votes and dollars as the deciding factor behind the passage of Proposition 102 in Arizona and Proposition 8 in California.

Proposition 102 amends the Arizona Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman and maintains the current statutory laws that ban gay marriage in Arizona. Proposition 8 amended the California Constitution in a similar way and nullified a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed gay marriage.

Mormons contributed about $3 million of the $8 million raised in the “Yes on 102” campaign to amend the Arizona Constitution.

Community members and organizers spread word of Friday night’s peaceful vigil through the Internet and by word of mouth.

Protesters holding candles, rainbow flags, peace signs and banners with the words love, acceptance and harmony gathered Friday night at Pioneer Park in support of gay marriage rights.

Others raised concerns that political and religious suppression of gay rights contributed to the suicide of religious gay teens, and many were upset about church involvement in political affairs.

Many counter-protesters believed the core definition of a family was at risk from gay marriage, while others said their rights as a voter would be violated if the recent Nov. 4 decision were to be overturned.

Protesters, Mormon church members and Proposition 102 supporters alike said they respected the opposing side’s stance and lifestyle but for now must agree to strongly disagree.

Boulder theater protest set by activists for gay rights

A Boulder movie house whose CEO backed a same-sex-union ban in California is targeted.

By Monte Whaley

Gay-rights activists plan to protest a Boulder theater that will show a movie about a gay-rights pioneer because, despite the movie, the theater’s chief executive supported a California ban on same-sex marriages.

Among those expected to attend Sunday’s protest at Century Boulder Theatre is Congressman-elect Jared Polis, the first openly gay congressional candidate from Colorado.

Cinemark-Century CEO Alan Stock donated $9,999 to the Yes on 8 Campaign, approved by California voters this month. The proposition prohibits same-sex marriage and has sparked other protests by gay-rights activists.

Most of their ire has been directed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which also contributed heavily to the pro-Proposition 8 camp.

But Cinemark-Century — which owns Century Boulder Theatre — is being targeted because in December it will begin showing the film “Milk,” the story of San Francisco’s Harvey Milk, a pioneer in the gay-rights movement.

It’s ironic that a film honoring Milk will enrich the man who contributed to the downfall of equal rights for gays in California, said Johann Moonesinghe, a Boulder resident and organizer of Sunday’s protest.

“We are not going to support a theater whose owner took away a large portion of our rights,” Moonesinghe said.

Protesters want supporters to see “Milk” at another theater. Stock has every right to contribute to any campaign he likes and Cinemark has every right to show the movie, Moonesinghe said. But gays also “have a right to take our money elsewhere as well,” he said.

Polis and his partner, Marlon Reis, are expected to join 100 or so other protesters at the Century Boulder Theatre between 3 and 4:30 p.m. The complex is at 28th Street and Canyon Boulevard.

“I think it’s great people are voting with their wallets and hopefully going to see this movie elsewhere,” Polis said. “Seeing it here (Century Boulder Theatre) contradicts everything Harvey Milk stood for.”

Polis said he will ask Stock to make an equal contribution to a gay-rights cause.

“I think the company should make at least a good-faith effort and if they are willing to do that, I think they have an opportunity to regain the loyalty of the gay and lesbian community,” Polis said.

Stock couldn’t be reached for comment. But in a statement released this week, the Dallas-based Cinemark sought to separate Stock’s contribution from the company.

“Cinemark did not make any financial contribution to either side on the Proposition 8 vote in California,” said James Meredith, vice president of marketing and communications for Cinemark USA Inc. “The company does not take a formal position on political issues that do not directly affect our business.”

Coverage of Milk Premieres

Access Hollywood’s collection of video clips (includes protestors & vigil) (San Francisco).

Hollywood.com photo gallery (Los Angeles)

Article:  Stars, No on 8 Supporters Turn Out For SF Milk Premiere.

Video of Sean Penn arriving at LA Milk Premiere.

NATIONWIDE RALLY

NATIONWIDE PROTEST RALLY!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 2008

10:30 AM PST/1:30 PM EST

ON THE STEPS OF YOUR LOCAL CITY HALL!

Incorrect Number of LA Marchers

The number of marchers has been revised, according to the GLBT Center of LA.  The media counted only the people who marched, excluding those that could not march, waiting instead near Sunset Junction, roughly 2500 people. 

The new figure:  12,500 total protestors!

LA Gay Rights Protest Site Landmarked

Saturday, November 08, 2008

  

11/8/2008 LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles bar that was the site of watershed gay rights protests in the 1960s has been designated a city landmark.

The City Council voted to name the bar once called the Black Cat a cultural-historic monument Friday, the same day thousands of gay rights advocates protested the Proposition 8 ballot measure defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

Police raided the Silver Lake neighborhood bar that served a largely gay clientele at a celebration early on New Year’s Day of 1967 and arrested 14 patrons and bartenders. In months after the raid, hundreds protested for gay rights in front of the bar, now called Le Barcito.

Landmarking proponent Wes Joe says recognizing the bar reminds people how far gay rights have advanced, despite Proposition 8’s passage.

Courtesy of ABC.

List of Upcoming Protest Rallies

I Am A Fighter of H8

Queers United has a listing of all upcoming Protests & Rallies!