Prominent gay GOP group backs lawsuit against Prop. 8
November 12th, 2008, 3:20 pm · 146 Comments · posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter
Republicans were far more supportive of Proposition 8, the gay-marriage ban, than Democrats - but that doesn’t mean gay Republicans don’t favor marriage. The Log Cabin Republicans, the nation’s largest gay GOP group, opposed Prop. 8 and is supporting lawsuits to have it overturned, according to Frank Ricchiazzi.
The Laguna Beach resident, who helped found the the Log Cabin club in the late 1970s, has a interesting take on Prop. 8 and the lawsuit - particularly since he thought it was a little early for gay marriage when the state Supreme Court gave it the green light in May.
“It was like a steak on the grill - it was still a little bit raw and needed more time,” he said of gay marriage. But a younger generation disagreed with him. “Others were ready to put it on the plate.”
But since thousands in the state have been married, he says it’s ridiculous to try to undo the law.
“The dams have been opened, the water has passed through,” said Ricchiazzi. “And now they want to bring it back? … How can you tell 1,000s of people who have gotten married that you’re going to take it back?”
Ricchiazzi has been with his partner 22 years, but said they were holding off on getting marriage to see how everything shook out.
Proposition 22, passed by 23 percent of voters in 2000, declared that marriage could be only between a man and a woman. That’s the measure the Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional earlier this year. Prop. 8, meanwhile, is winning by 4.5 percent of the vote. Ricchiazzi is among those of point to the results of the two measures as an indicator of the trend toward widespread acceptance of gay marriage.
And while Ricchiazzi was prepared to wait for that to happen, events have swept him along into the anti-Prop. 8 camp.
There’s a hint of disgust in his voice after I pointed out that Republicans were much more supportive of Prop. 8 than Democrats.
“When I came to Laguna Beach in 1988, 50 percent of voters here were Republican and 37 percent were Democrat,” he said of his gay-friendly city. “Democrats have gained in every election since, and now there’s more Democrats than Republicans. The gay population here has said, ‘I can’t be part of the Republican Party any longer.’ ”
The reason is largely, he says, because of the party’s position on gay rights. I asked if he would be leaving the party too.
“Where would I go?” said the investor. “You look at the Democrats on foriegn policy and economic policy, and it’s just awful. Granted, George Bush was a Democrat in terms of the economy and the budget….”
November 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
OMG
November 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
March through Irvine tomorrow against Prop 8.
Culver and Campus
Time to burn the Orange Curtain, baby!
November 12th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
According to the investigation from the site *BiLoves dotcom* (a site for LGBT comning out, explore sexuality, etc.), The Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain are the gayest countries. Not sure if true.I just know that site is very professional and there are about 100 members per day and they are very active. You can imagine.If you come here frequently, you may find what you are looking easily and quickly.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
They need to put a limit on the numbers of words you can post what j Says:is a joke he just posted a book. I can say it in 5 words “”I voted yes on eight.”"
November 12th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Is the left going to RESPECT my voting rights. Prop 8 passed.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Are there women’s restrooms at the Log Cabin Club? Are there Republican Lesbians? Do we care? YES on 8. Get over it!
November 12th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
In a Democracy majority rules. If the courts overturn the will of the people again there will be a much larger issue than gay marraige.
I am appalled by the response of the No on 8 crowd. They ambushed my church home last weekend and the things they were shouting were most offensive. As a citizen of the United States I have a right to my political opinion, to vote on issues brought before the voting public and not be expected to be harrassed for my views by a minority of people. In a civilized society, that is how things work.
The protestors I saw (who numbered 75 - 100….not “hundreds as reported by the OCR) made no sense in their arguments and displayed themselves as the hateful people they supposedoly campaign against. But I do know one thing, God loves them as much as He loves me and that we are all a part of the family of God. So I pray that God will help them to open their eyes and convict them for the bad behavior that they exhibited and that they apologize to those they have offended.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
State rights in California extend to all people here not just heterosexuals. People in California cannot vote away rights of other people. Civil marriage offers over 1,000 rights, obligations and protections in the State of California. Prop. 8 will be overturned as unconstitutional there is no doubt about it.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I could go either way with Prop 8, but I define marriage between a man and woman, but I too am appalled at the lack of civility and acceptance of this outcome by those who lost. It confirms why this issue should be left to the ballot box and not the courts or legislature, just think of the terrorism that would take place to influence the scared judges and state representatives. Appalling for those who are whining that don’t get their way. Boo hoo.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Look at it this way. Im straight, ok. I Don’t care what gay people do or how they do it. Put all the rights you want as a gay couple on the ballot and I will vote for it. That is if you don’t already have those rights.
Just don’t call what is is you want to do a marriage. Of all the things in the world you could call it, why does it have to be called a marriage. Be inventive,use some imagination and call it some else. Invent a whole new ritual that is different and truly your own. Don’ t usurp what is someone elses. A ceremony that you create can be just as beautiful and moving as the marriage ceremony, and more meaningful because it is yours.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Sacramento theater director who donated to Prop. 8 faced storm of criticism
Scott Eckern, the Sacramento theater director whose political donation in support of California’s Prop. 8 ban on same-sex marriage has become a lightning rod in the debate over gay rights, resigned today.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2008/11/here-is-an-exce.html
Follow the donors: Check who in your area supported H8 and let them know how you feel:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-metro-prop-8,0,2463893.htmlstory
Just input your zip code
November 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
The link to the Black and Latino Churches who supported H8. Isn’t odd that blacks and latinos would support discrimination? Let them know how you feel:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/10-22-2008/0004909747&EDATE=WED+Oct+22+2008,+07:11+PM
November 12th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
To the voter of california who voted yes on 8, take notice of all the gop’s and everyone else in school boards, Administrations, the house etc. Proposition 8 was voted in twice..it is over! Morality wins. This isn’t about civil rights…this is about decentcy. We must hold all these politians and administrators accountable. Stop the illegal protests, send them home. Who made this morally right? If you want to live your livestyle in the gasy world so be it, but we do not have to acceot something that immoral. Why do they think society has to accept their way of life? It is not right the people have spoken…say good night!
The proper way to live….women and man!
November 12th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
thats hella gay
November 12th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Yes I think these protesters should march through Inglewood and the Rampart District and tell those Black and Latino church goers just what you think. Boy I hope that gets caught on camera
November 12th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Discrimination? Please explain? You have the same rights that every other American has. Marraige has been defined for more than 5,000 years as one man and one woman. Afterall, only in a hetrosexual relationship can you procreate. Redefining marraige would be like saying blue is no longer blue, just the “traditional blue”. Are you really kidding me?
The courts that redefine marraige are acting outside of their authority and should be help accountable by the people. So, this is not a civil rights issue, don’t be confused by those who seek to deceive you. If we allow same sex marraiges, how long before we allow adults to marry children? Afterall, pedophiles claim that they were born that way. Sound familiar?
P.S. Message to Warren. Thanks for posting the links to the donors in support of Prop 8. I will be sending them a letter expressing my gratitude for standing up and doing the right thing!!!!
November 12th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Did note California’s people make it clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. These people that support no on 8 or a bunch of whiners. Gays and lesbians can still be together the only thing is that can benefit from marriage and plus based on biblical teachings it states that homsexuality is wrong in the eyes of the Lord so these people that voted no on 8 should get over it…California spoke loud and clear
November 12th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Warren, why don’t you poop bomb or egg those who supported Prop 8? That will win the war of ideas and get people behind your cause. Talk about intolerance for those who don’t agree with your side of the argument. Very frightening and sad. Why do you hate democracy and people standing up for what they believe in?
November 12th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I think this will be the new Roe Vs Wade. What is shocking is that California pretty much split the vote which is alarming….it simply means the attitudes of people in this state or becoming increasingly more accepting of same sex union. Let my previous comment not be construed as bashing gays and lesbians some of my friends engage in that behavior. I support this sect of our nation but can’t we make some sort of compromise on this issue. As for the side of church I think those same sex people seeking marriage should respect the teachings of the bible. We elected an African American President so it is clear that America is becoming more progressive. As for the Constitution it says that church and state should be seperate so again these people should not inflict there choice on God-fearing people is not that the same thing the vote no 8 people tring to do by having it overturned?
November 12th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I am tired of someone telling me what really wanted or what I really
meant. Prop 8 passed, get over it! The people spoke. I think the supreme court should decide everything. I think just because I wanted McCain instead of Obama we should file a lawsuit and let the supreme court decide who the american people really wanted for president. As a latino man, quit trying to draw the paralell between driscrimination and homosexuality. You can’t choose to be born black, brown, yellow, etc. Homosexuality is a choice. I know the gay community will try to say otherwise, but fact is fact. On another note, do you honestly think your disruptive protests is helping you cause, think again. You ar ejust proving the haters point. If you disagree with the passing of prop 8, put another bill on the ballot it and let the people speak. The problem is the gay community don’t like what the people are saying.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Same sex marriage should be BAN. And it was BAN. That’s it!
Why American have to spend to much time and energy on this issue? There are no countries in this world allowed same sex marriage. Why we have to do something STRANGE?
Gay or Lesbian can live with their partners in anyway they want. Why have to legalize it? why? why? and why?
November 12th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Contrary to popular belief marriage is not a human, civil or constitutional right. And unlike minority groups such as blacks, Hispanics, Asians or women, gay couples are not considered a race of people or a gender.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 discrimination laws protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Sex includes pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. It says nothing about sexual orientation.
If gay couples marriages are to be recognized in this country, sexual orientation will be need to be added to the Civil Rights Act or the definition of what sex/gender will need to be changed to include “gender netural” or homosexual as a gender.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
If the court overturns eight, it will basically say those people that voted yes on 8 including me actually would be thrown out. Is that demcracy where the will of the people is basically overthrown by a group of vocal supporters of no on 8. It reminds me of Pontius Pilot who had a choice whether or not to crucify Jesus, but by a vocal group they put an innocent man to death. What the No on 8 people should do is put it back on the ballot in a future election.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
What’s really dumb is you ask a 3-year old “What is marriage?” You get “mommy and daddy” with a “duh” look. So how come great big adults can’t figure that thing out way after they have grown up? It’s mommy and daddy. Not daddy and daddy’s best special friend, not mommy and mommy’s strange new best friend. “Duh”!!
November 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
YES on Prop 8
The only reason that the gay agenda is so aggressively pushing for legalized gay marriage is to attempt to legitimize a sinful lifestyle through legal terms, bypassing morality and God. Basically, since they cant argue against God, they’re trying to make themselves God and dictate morality. Satan tried that once, didnt work. It wont work for them either.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
you know a i was talking about the election a few days after, as i was discussing the way i disagreed with obama being elected to president. someone told me get over it the majority spoke, like it or not. during that same conversation they started goiing on about prop 8, yet when i said the majority spoke get over it. they went on to plead the case.
can we say hypocrital much?
the way i see it is the left wants equal rights as long as it is in their favor, if not your wrong. only they know what is right. im sick of it!
now saying that obama is our president (or at least will be) just like clinton i will respect and honor my president, because the nation spoke and chose him. now respect the wishes of the majority on this one and lose with some dignity…
November 12th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I’m really impressed with the bravery and commitment to a just case to those who interrupted church services last Sunday with their over the top antics and bad taste.
Had they been aware that most blacks voted for prop 8, I’m sure these brave protesting crusaders would have immediately embarked to South LA or Watts, into the very bowls of the enemy that thwarted them in their just cause, to confront the wrong thinking evildoers.
Or maybe these morally brave but personal-safety reticent souls knew what fate awaited them had they tried.
Better to stick to places where your actions don’t have to meet with honest consequences. You are so brave. You really are. Really.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
protectmarriage.com
November 12th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I voted yes on 8. We need to protect the family and my kids. I don’t want it pushed in the schools. Based on the attitude of the no 8 crowd they will destroy churches or anyone that doesn’t agree with their opinion. There seems to be no tolerance at all for an opion different that theirs
November 12th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
To all the anti Prop 8 people…………..SCOREBOARD
If you Prop 8 had lost we would have accepted the results but you don’t. Typical liberal gay acitivists who want acceptance and not just tolerance and who are willing to trample on the rest of us to make sure we notice them. Take it up with God if you don’t like marriage being defined as ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN!!!!!!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
j,
I read Johann Hari’s post when it first hit HuffPost and found it interesting, but certainly not an indictment of an entire community. In light of the fact you chose to post it in response to this particular OCR article, perhaps the most relevant paragraph in Hari’s piece is this one:
“The growing awareness of the role gay men play in fascist movements has been abused by some homophobes. In an especially nutty work of revisionist history called ‘The Pink Swastika’, the ‘historian’ Scott Lively tries to blame gay people for the entire Holocaust.”
Mark
November 12th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
The protest in Irvine tomorrow on Culver and Campus has been cancelled by the organizers. Stay tuned, we are regrouping and will reschedule.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I didn’t even read that long comment. Well if that’s the case, then I say let’s over turn ALL votes including Barack Obamas.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
In the USA, our laws are based upon the notion of the separation of church and state. What that really means is that as individuals, we retain the freedom to listen to our own God and to obey our own conscience in matters of personal and private morality. A legal system that assumes a separation of church and state is one that is based upon the truth of the Gospel; it allows people to make those kinds of very personal decisions for themselves, in consultation with God and their own conscience. Conversely, any law that restricts individual liberty in the area of private morality, or that penalizes some people for not conforming the beliefs and moral standards of others - this is not only a form of political tyranny, it is also directly contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who would support such a tyranny are not only un-American; they are also the enemies of the Gospel, whether or not they call themselves Christians.
What we call privacy and personal freedom is the secular side of that freedom we have in Christ as Christians, and just because some people may abuse that freedom to their own harm, doesn’t mean that we all must live under religious tyranny. To advocate laws that infringe upon the private lives and personal liberty of others is to stand in direct opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Passing laws that restrict the rights and freedom of homosexuals is not a way of establishing God’s law; it is a way of putting a lot of demonstrably greedy, corrupt and ignorant pastors with their Newly Revised Mosaic Law over us, and taking the liberty guaranteed by the Gospel out of both religious and secular life. It’s building up again what Christ died to free us from.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
1) The No on 8 people can challenge in court, but they will lose. The only initiative in California history that was ruled a REVISION of the state constitution as opposes to an AMENDMENT contained THOUSANDS OF WORDS AND MULTIPLE SECTIONS. Prop 8 contains a MERE 14 OPERABALE WORDS. It’s not even a close call. But they can try.
Whatever the cause of homosexuality – be it genetic, environmental, or whatever – I empathize with those who feel this and especially those who valiantly struggle to resist this urge. Some here and elsewhere have said that they would not “choose homosexuality”, that it is not their choice and that it has been a difficult way to live. I empathize. I can only imagine based on my observations that homosexual tendencies (chose a different word if you want) are extremely difficult to live with and to overcome. I wish you no ill.
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2) Whether or not it is the agenda of the gay community in general to force teaching of gay marriage in the schools, it will happen if we allow gay “marriage”. Soon after gay “marriage” becomes established in California, at least one gay person (and one is all it will take) will sue claiming discrimination because their first-grade child’s textbooks, story books, etc. have stories based around heterosexual married couples (something like “Mr. and Mrs. Jones owned a farm …”) but not based on a gay couple (”Mister and Mister Jones …). They will sue because, as they claim, gay marriage is a “fundamental right”, and to exclude it from the curriculum is a violation of that right. AND THEY WILL WIN.
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3) The same logic applied to my comment #2 above will apply in many aspects of life to numerous to list, or even to imagine.
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4) NATURE has determined that children are born to HETEROSEXUALS (or at least those who partake in heterosexual activity). If RELIGION happens to agree with NATURE, that hardly changes NATURE or is the fault of religion. Sorry, Prop 8 opponents, but it is those who wish to pretend that homosexual activity (activity that CANNOT produce offspring) is equivalent to heterosexual activity. This fantasy is AT ODDS WITH NATURE. That seems obvious enough.
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5) Californians have already bent over backwards (no pun intended, but accidental pun kind of funny) to give those who chose to live homosexual lifestyles rights equivalent to married couples. To the extent, if any, that this is not true most of even those who voted in favor of Prop 8 support this. I support it, but I’m beginning to have second thoughts about that. “Give an inch …”
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6) Where a radical change in the basic structure of society is proposed, the burden to show that the change is beneficial is on he who favors the change and NOT on he who favors the status quo. In this case, it will take at least one generation (the period of time to see the results of legally sanctioned gay marriages) of experimentation to see the effects of the proposed change. Massachusetts, with a population of 6 million provides a testing population more than large enough for the experiment without risking the bulk of this United States of America and its great society on the experiment.
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7) I would be surprised if more than a very small percentage of even homosexuals don’t believe that the BEST, HEALTHIEST AND MOST IDEAL HOME for a child has a LOVING MOTHER AND FATHER. Although many homes fall short of this for lack of love, a mother, or a father, it remains the BEST, HEALTHIEST AND MOST IDEAL. This is what the word “MARRIAGE” represents. Sorry, homosexuals, but the best you can provide within a homosexual relationship is less than the best possible. It is in the INTEREST OF SOCIETY AND CHILDREN to uphold “MARRIAGE” as this BEST, HEALTHIEST, AND MOST IDEAL HOME.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
RobertS…..Teaching people that it is OK to sin is what is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your lesson on Christianity ignores the basic foundation of the faith. So, as Jesus would say, go and sin no more.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Looks like the OCR has made the full transition to the OCR of the LAT. There was a time when journalists reported both sides of an issue. Those days are long gone. Now journalists if you can call them that report only what serves their self interests. The election was over 8 days ago and the Yes vote won by approximately the same margin as Obama over McCain (popular vote). That race was considered a landslide, yet prop. 8 is being reported like it was close. The people spoke, not once, but twice. It’s time to put this nonsense to bed. The media acts as if only the opposers of Prop 8 have passionate feelings about the outcome. The Mormon church is taking the heat for helping to fund support for Prop. 8, however, there is a much larger and diverse group of people that supported it. The hypocrisy of Prop. 8 opposers has been nauseating in that while they accuse people who disagree with them on this issue of hatred, they openly have been spreading their hatred through their immature actions and the biased liberal media.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I do have to point out that several people commented about marriage is intended for procreation. If that is so,then you had better outlaw marriages for those females past childbearing age. Also, like it or not, some people do not want children and yes….are heterosexual. As they are not propagating the species, should they too be forbid to marry?
Also, most homosexuals come out of unions of heterosexuals so clearly there is a biological basis to our very existense. Nobody teaches us or recruits us. Nearly all of us try to be “straight”. And there are so many couples who are men and women who are in traditional marriages, yet may have other sexual desires they may or may not act upon. How do YOU or anyone plan to enter their psyches to make sure all is heterosexual in every deed, desire and act?
November 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Prop 8 won out, and now they are going after the individuals who donated to the cause, so now they are going to continue to persecute the supporters because of their convictions. But we are the bigots, we are the haters. If 8 had failed I am pretty sure we would not be harrasing the winning side.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Why hasn’t anyone commented on the incredibly skewed statistics presented?
“Proposition 22, passed by 23 percent of voters in 2000, declared that marriage could be only between a man and a woman.”
AND
“Prop. 8, meanwhile, is winning by 4.5 percent of the vote. ”
That’s just a sad and extremely pathetic example of how the OC register throws journalistic credibility out the window in support of a radical agenda. These would seem to imply that these measures were passed by just 23 percent or 4.5 percent of voters, which is utter and complete nonsense. This is a transparent and obvious attempt to make it seem as if those in favor of prop 8 are somehow a minority, and it is an insult as well. Let’s be clear: with this kind of language, Martin Wisckol is really asserting “I think you (the reader) are too stupid to recognize my transparent attempt to skew your reaction.”
This is the kind of stuff you see all the time from the “no on prop 8″ folks - lying and distorting the truth, all the while proclaiming their innocence and how badly they are mistreated.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:44 am
It is an obvious MANDATE by the PEOPLE. A landslide WIN by the YES on 8. This I know as it is measured as was the vote for President. A wide margin. An overwhelming decision.
and to those Polititians who have been selling out…… good-bye….
November 13th, 2008 at 1:51 am
gays are not banned from marriage in this state. Any gay man can marry any gay woman.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:43 am
Ever since the OC Register came out (pun intended) against Prop. 8, they have been doing everything they could to stir this up. It’s time that the Silent Majority STAND UP.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:47 am
Marriage should be for man and woman. My grand-dad said that sex should only be for husband and wife. Are we going to have laws that said that you can not have sex unless you are husband and wife? A good way to cut down on unwanted children. Government should stay out.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I say we overturn every proposition that passed and give the losing side the victory. I also feel we should pick the loser of each election and annoint them with the office they ran for. McCain as president, Palin as VP and so on and so on. Maybe looking at the ridiculousness of my two statements will prompt the gay thugs to live by the laws the rest of us do. Fair election, the decision is final.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Hello, there’s a reason people vote. One way or the other…
November 13th, 2008 at 6:09 am
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
November 13th, 2008 at 6:30 am
This organization is very small non-profit. Their California Field Director made $140,000 last year. They have $280 in savings. They were had a deficit on their last 990 of over $100,000 with just over $100,000 in membership dues received that year…
This of course is compared to the NGLTF with over $10M in support which only been around since the 1980s…
Log Cabin is…