The cost of bigotry

"My Grandma vacationed in California and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" has been updated to reflect the recent election.

And you could reframe the debate this way…


The Mormon (LDS) church, after it worked mightily to ban gay marriage, said in a press release by Equality California.

…it is not "anti-gay" but rather pro-marriage and it "does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights." On November 5th, Elder L. Whitney Clayton stated the LDS Church does not oppose "civil unions or domestic partnerships."

Great! Wonderful! says Equality Utah. So the church won't mind, and will even support us, when we introduce legislation to make sure gays have proper hospital visitation rights and shared medical care, to pass anti-discrimination laws, and to allow state-wide civil unions. Or were these more lies to lessen the current protests against the church?

This is the Mormon church's actual statement:

"the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches."

Which pretty much leaves them open to protest whatever gay-friendly proposal they want. And as for civil unions, well, they're already banned by a marriage protection amendment. Aww, too bad.


We knew this would happen eventually: Vandals damaged 3 Mormon churches in Utah. On seeing the broken glass one of the members said,

"I feel badly for those people that have such anger within them that they would do something like this… I just hope that people’s hearts will be softened, that they will realize the Gospel… teaches us to love one another and not do things like this."

Of course, my irony meter went off again. They certainly don't love us. If they did they would seek to understand us and they are clearly not doing that.

This same posting shows the sign, "Shall we vote on your marriage now?"


Several Calif. businesses are feeling the heat as news comes out that the owners contributed to the gay marriage ban. One restaurant, El Coyote in LA, had been a hangout for gays. But when the news broke that the Mormon owner had contributed as her church requested, the patrons were not pleased. The owner asked for a lunchtime meeting to explain her side of things, but since she did not apologize relations quickly soured. Gays were especially annoyed with the idea that a percentage of her profits would go to the church that condemns them. No one stayed for the free food. The restaurant may face closure if they can't attract Mormon customers -- hey, church, I donated as you requested and now face bankruptcy; how about a bailout?

Records of donors (which came from around the country) are being carefully scrutinized and gays are acting accordingly. When this issue comes up again (two years?) those wanting to stick it to the gays will find a lot of businesses have experienced or at least seen the cost of bigotry and will keep their wallets closed -- or will donate to the gay cause.


Suddenly, businesses are trying to hide their donation to the ban or say it shouldn't make any difference. You bought it, the least you can do is own it. Fortunately, donations are public record.


The Mormon church is getting many letters of resignation. And many of those who still support the church are finding they must choose between church and family.


A protest in New York City drew a peaceful crowd of 7-10,000 and included several entertainment personalities. Pictures and videos here.


There is now a loose coalition working to hold protests nationwide on Saturday. The time depends on your time zone. Look for protest cities here.
And a little bit of irony of my own: The protest in Detroit is at 1:30 and I have a ticket for a gay movie (part of the Pride Film Festival) at 2:00 in Royal Oak. It's even a love story, the relationship between Christopher Isherwood and his lover Don. The Festival is being put on by one of the sponsors of the Detroit protest.

Good for a laugh. Stephen Colbert interviews Dan Savage about the gay marriage bans.

Savage also wrote an editorial for the New York Times that said while banning gay marriage in 3 more states was heartbreaking, banning gay adoption in Arkansas is terrifying. Who is next to be found unfit for parenting based on spurious reasons? Will kids be taken away from biological parents who happen to be gay?