REGION: Hold the rice, say protesters
Protesters, few and peaceful, take 'stand' against same-sex marriage
By GARY WARTH - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- As same-sex couples made history Tuesday by getting married on the western lawn of the San Diego County Administration building, a small group of opponents gathered on the opposite side of the building to condemn the ceremonies.
"We are here today to serve witness, to stand up for our morals and values," said Thomas McKenna, president of Catholic Action for Faith and Family, a nonprofit group that identifies itself as defending Christian values as inspired by the Roman Catholic Church.
The 20-minute rally, which included McKenna and six other speakers, was the only organized protest that requested and was granted a county permit Tuesday.
Standing in front of a large banner that read, "We are praying to save marriage," the speakers focused on last month's state Supreme Court's decision that allowed same-sex couples to begin marrying this week.
The demonstration drew a few curious onlookers, much media and about a dozen supporters of gay marriage who mostly listened quietly.
One man and his child brought a sign that read "Gay marriage is against the word of God."
Some Christians in support of same-sex marriage debated theology and politics with the man before the rally. The civil discussion ended in hugs.
Other protesters expressed themselves by standing in a quiet vigil behind a statue of the Virgin Mary before the rally.
Organizer Mary Kuper of Valley Center said the rally represented a coalition of concerned citizens in support of the Protect Marriage Initiative, a proposed state constitutional amendment on the November ballot that defines marriage as between a man and woman.
While the issue can inspire heated comments from both sides, speakers at the protest rally mostly argued against the way the court made its decision rather than focusing on the moral issue of homosexuality.
"The decision was not only flawed, it went too far," said Valley Center resident Claire Plutner.
Plutner noted that one state Supreme Court judge wrote in a dissenting opinion that the majority of the court had overstepped its bounds in calling unconstitutional the 2000 California voter-approved Proposition 22, which had defined marriage as between a man and a woman.
Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization of Marriage, a nonprofit resource for marriage-related initiatives opposing same-sex marriage, stressed that his group and the proposed amendment it supports was not trying to take away civil rights.
"We wish all the best to everyone here today," he said, adding the issue was about democracy.
"Any two people can live as they choose, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for the rest of us," he said.
Brown also said religious and nonprofit groups are affected by same-sex marriage because they can lose their funding or be fined for discrimination depending on their policies.
"Our civil liberties are at stake here," he said.
In one of the few negative responses from the crowd, one man on the sidewalk yelled after Brown's talk, "The only thing missing was a 'Sieg Heil!'"
Speaker Tony Krvaric, chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego, agreed that the Supreme Court had erred in overturning the will of the people.
"Following the will of the people is not a partisan cause," he told the small gathering. "It is just common sense."
Michael Crimmins, a Republican candidate for the 53rd Congressional District that is represented by Democrat Susan Davis and covers central San Diego, said it was time for people to draw "a line in the sand" to fight against liberal social policies.
"We need thinking Americans," he said. "We don't need feeling Americans making decisions on emotion."
Robert Tyler, an attorney for one of the groups that worked to qualify the California Marriage Protection Act for the November ballot, did not attend any protest rallies Tuesday, but talked about the work ahead in a phone interview.
"We are a nonprofit, religious liberty law firm, and frankly we do our work in the courts," he said about his group, the Murrieta-based Advocates for Faith and Freedom, and why it did not make an official statement Tuesday.
"We protest in writing," he said. "We put it in lawsuits. That's what we're good at."
Tyler said his group's focus is to overturn the state Supreme Court's ruling through a constitutional amendment.
"The Supreme Court hijacked democracy," he said. "And here's a great opportunity for the people of California to speak up and reverse an activist court."
Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.
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Enough already wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:55 PM:Hold the photos, hold the stories. Go back in the closet, please.
German Clarification Needed wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:25 PM:Was the guy who yelled out "Sieg Heig" pro- or anti-same-sex? Since the translation of this German phrase is "Hail Victory", it could be interpreted as a show of support. On the other hand, it could have been just another unimaginative and unoriginal suggestion from a nitwit that protesters are no better than Nazis.
Since this "one man on the sidewalk" didn't follow up that utterance with the phrase "Ich Bin Ein Gayfeller", I'll assume the latter applies.
auf Wiedersehen!
Jill wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:02 PM:Revolting, revolting, revolting!!!
The fight wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:16 PM:isn't over yet. I will be respectful to those who whole heartedly are gay and got married today. But respectfully, I will continue the fight to preserve marriage as define as a man and a woman.
My heart goes out to Gay's on this issue and I understand they want equality,but I thought with civil unions that was equality that both sides could agreed about.
But seriously, this is bigger than gay marriage, we must prevent Judges from going outside of their limits and legislating from the bench. This ruling is more about power than the decision that came from the ruling.
I am not as outraged about gay marriages as I am about these Judges. My anger is not directed at Gays, my anger is directed at the judges whom feel their decision over rules the will of the people.
Curtis wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:19 PM:We toke photos and it was a nice day for all. The majority is not always right; it looks like those in favor of equality may be the majority now. If not now, then soon because the tide has turned and equality and fairness for all will prevail in the end.
Perplexed wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:18 PM:I find it funny the catholics are protesting gay marriage, I believe they have a lot of problems of their own...?
Perplexed wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:20 PM:Morals from the catholic church? ha! congratulations to all same sex couples who are now considered equal.
Straight and rational wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:18 AM:People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Why shouldn't gay couples share in the agonies and the extacies(sp)? True love and monogonmy are rare, regardless of orientation. Shouldn't the onnus be on 'why you love' and not 'who you love?' Love can involve procreation but that is only one element of love. Love and let love.
JSten wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:24 AM:To straight and rational:
Amen!
Dont bank on it wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:34 AM:Singles are coming together and screaming discrimination. We want tax breaks just as the gays, we just coose to live single and are not gay. Second we are demanding health coverage be extended not only to the single worker, but his parents or sibilings.
John E wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:52 AM:Thank you, "Perplexed," "Straight and rational" and "JSten."
["Ecstasies," not "extacies," though.]
OMG To To the Fight wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:32 AM:Thats is a stupid statement! Like anyone would vote to reinstitute slavey, that is a very bad analogy and not a very nice statement at at all.
Raised Catholic wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:44 AM:but I was taught that Jesus wanted us to love one another. What is the big deal? My gay neighbors are the BEST neighbors I have ever had. Their getting married takes nothing away from MY marriage. There is indisputable proof that their are physiological differences between heterosexuals and homosexuals. We are ALL children of God regardless. God made gay people too. As one religious zealot once asked me "Why?" and I responded to teach people like you tolerance. I find more and more that people don't love and respect each other any more. Sad isn't it?
Dude wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:00 AM:I think the gays need to stop rubbing our noses in their lifestyle, I don't want to hear about your sexual orientation /preferences (hetero or gay) Keep it to yourself!
Oh and by the way, IT'S WRONG!!!!!
CR wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:24 AM:As of yesterday, California became one of the two worst, wacko states in the U.S. The will of four brain-dead judges was able to overcome the will of millions of voters, which WILL be changed come November. It was not much of a surprise that a few extremist judges upheld the "rights" of a deviant lifestyle minority. They can say these pseudo-marriages are "recognized" in California, but it doesn't mean I have to recognize them!
Pepsi Much wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:29 AM:I've said it before and I'll say it again: You can't have out Pepsi and off-brand Cola and tell me I can only have the off-brand Cola because Pepsi is only for people like you and try to explain to me that off-brand Cola is just the same as Pepsi...
It's not, if you can have Pepsi, I can have Pepsi.
Huh wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:42 AM:Dec 31, 1969 ?
OuttaTheCloset wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:45 AM:What hate speech from "Enough already at 6:55 p.m.
And yes, Jill at 8:02 p.m., these hateful antics were indeed truly revolting, especially that they could come from within our own community.
tk wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:57 AM:Leave it to those citing the church to be judgemental. Typical.
Move on.. wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:29 AM:To all you individuals that are against gay marriage: Does this affect you?? NO IT DOES NOT!! Why don't you fight for something useful? You all obviously have too much time on your hands.It seems that all the religious protesters are the most judgemental of them all. They are hypocritical as well. CONGRATS to all the newly married couples. I hope you share a lifetime of happiness!!
Jake wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:32 AM:Congrats to the newlyweds ! Enjoy what you have fought so hard for. Don't let the bigots get you down.
Sanctity of salmon wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:51 AM:For thousands of years, humans have been eating fish, and now a bunch of shellfish-eaters want to defile the sanctity of fish. The people will rise up and ban the abomination of Red Lobster in November!!!!! For it is written in Leviticus 11:10-12: "And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you. They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you."
Apollo wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:59 AM:Re: Dude (8:00 a.m.)
Another nosy busybody trying to run everyone else's life.
No one is rubbing your nose in their lifestyle.
They are only demanding that you stop dictating to them what there's should be.
Aye, there's the rub.
Apollo wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:11 AM:Re: Dude (8:00 a.m.) and CR (8:24 a.m.)
Dude's reason why same-sex marriage shouldn't be allowed? "IT'S WRONG."
Sorry, Dude, that is a matter of personal opinion. You get to decide for yourself, and so do gays/lesbians for themselves. You don't like it? Don't do it.
And CR blames the decision on "the will of four brain-dead judges."
Sorry, the California State Constitution prohibits discrimination based on gender, so if you tell a man he can't marry a man you are forcing him to do that. They said it is unconstitutional. You can't pass laws that violate the Constitution. Do you think that if they passed a law by a huge popular vote to reinstate slavery (as noted by "To The Fight" at 4:00 p.m. on 12-31-1969???? - obviously way ahead of his time!), or outlaw YOUR religion, that the judges should bow to the will of the people?
You know nothing about Constitutional Law.
The Bright Side wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:29 AM:The Gay population getting married in CA may be what digs us out of economic ruin and budget shortfalls. Good may come of it!
To Apollo wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:38 AM:We'll see in November! Those judges will not have the chance to strike down the Constitutional amendment, since you apparently are not aware of how law works in California. The state constitution does NOT prohibit "discrimination" based on a deviant lifestyle--it has no reference to gender whatsoever. It was a flawed interpretation by those "brain-dead" judges!
Apollo wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:51 AM:Re: To Apollo (10:38 a.m.)
Your post says, and I quote, "The state constitution does NOT prohibit "discrimination" based on a deviant lifestyle--it has no reference to gender whatsoever."
Obviously, you are a person who just spouts off on things you know nothing about, so I'll help you out a little.
The California State Constitution, Article I, Sections 31(a) and (g) specifically outlaw discrimination based on gender and it was under this provision that the court made its determination.
USA love it or leave it wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:09 AM:Why did all this stuff happen two thousand years ago (allegedly) & nothing since. A quick question to all of you religious wannabes. What would you say to a hermaphradite if he/she wanted to marry? Uhhhhh uhhhh . Mother Nature created us all & in the United States of America we are all supposed to be treated as equals. If you don`t like it you can lump it
Good Grief wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:27 AM:Gay marriage seems wrong. To each their own i guess. But why does it have to be all over the news and in everyones face?
I personally don't care much for knowing that these people can get married. Keep that to yourselves for crying out loud.
Kel wrote on Jun 18, 2008 12:32 PM:To Good Grief and all the others with this opinion - How about YOU stop rubbing our noses in YOUR wedding and engagement notices, holding hands in public, kissing at a romantic restaurant, putting pictures of your family and kids on your desk, et cetera, et cetera! No one is rubbing your nose in anything. Don't like it? Don't do it, don't read about it, don't watch it on t.v.. Turn off the radio if you don't want to hear it. Turn your back and walk the other way. Keep your written and spoken opinions to yourselves like you want us to do. How does that make YOU feel? Bigotry is so idiotic. Try cleaning your own house before you start shoving your ideals religious and otherwise down MY throat. But, when you're ready to leave us alone, we'll be only to happy to shake your hand and let bygones be bygones. Even in the worst of people is the opportunity for growth and change.
to The Fight wrote on Jun 18, 2008 1:35 PM:Methinks thou doth protest too much.
You don't want all the people to be equal. You really do not want the gays to have the rights that they deserve (USA Constitution).
You want to move backwards instead of moving forward. Women can now vote, blacks can sit anywhere on the bus, restaurants serve blacks and also black and white couples.
The Judge did the right thing.
The Majority is supposed to protect the Minority.
Mark wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:05 PM:If people are going to continue to use the Bible as a moral barometer, they should do as the Taliban do and live in caves some where in the middle of nowhere. How many thousands of years ago was the Bible written? It's 2008 and time to evolve with the rest of the world.
pleez wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:58 PM:Like it or not marriage is a religious thing gays and a lot of you people dont believe in the Bible so why do you want to call it marriage.Men have outies women have innies thats not a bible thing.Whats next marry your dog.
Yeah the catholic church has morals wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:40 PM:Like the supporting of child molestors! Only up until recently did the pope step up and start to make those who had done it, to get out of the priest hood
What are the legal reasons gay couples want to have fully recognized marriages wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:44 PM:There are many. From receiving the same tax breaks as married couples, to having the right to make decisions for their partner in the event of catastrophic illness or death. Rights that heterosexual people take completely for granted, such as being able to add your spouse to your health insurance policy, or to visit them in the hospital, as well as rights that most people never use, such as being able to sue for wrongful death, or to collect spousal benefits from Social Security or Workman’s Compensation. Rights to inheritance, adoptions, death benefits, and shared property.
Regardless of whether you believe the homosexual lifestyle is acceptable or not morally, the real question of gay marriage boils down to whether same sex couples deserve the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. This makes it less a moral question than a legal one. Remove the emotion from the picture and it is simple to see that any couple who has lived together, depended on each other, shared income, property, the everyday ups and downs of life together deserves these rights, regardless of their sexuality or whether or not you like their lifestyle.
BLG wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:56 PM:I'm so sick of all this nattering about how we should "protect" marriage from homosexuals by not allowing them to enjoy (and suffer?) the joys and challenges of marriage. The ONLY thing my marriage needs protection from is whatever stupid, thoughtless, destructive and/or selfish behavior one or both of us might engage in. What other people do or don't do in their own relationships has NOTHING to do with my marriage!!!
If those opposed to gay marriage are so sure that homosexuals are evil and shouldn't be allowed to live their lives as we heterosexuals are allowed to (resulting in a divorce rate of about 50%) then why not just let them? God (or karma) can sort it out later.
To The Fight wrote on Dec 31, 1969 4:00 PM:I'm concerned that if the only guide for legislation/judicial rulings is following the "will of the people" - where does that stop? Could a majority of voters reinstitute slavery in America. I don're is indisputable proof that their are physiological differences between heterosexuals and homosexuals. We are ALL children of God regardless. God made gay people too. As one religious zealot once asked m
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