Prop. 8 press conference denounces harassment and intimidation from No on 8'ers

From the reports of my friends, today's press conference in Santa Ana was inspiring, seeing how much support there is for Prop. 8 and for those of us who vocally and prominently supported it.

Those who attended were encouraged to sign the petition at www.petitionspot.com/petitions/protectyourvote and to write a letter to the California Secretary of State and Governor. All the info and sample letters posted at http://hubpages.com/hub/Yes-on-prop-8-petition.

Here's the O.C. Register's (left-leaning, as usual) report on today's press conference:

SANTA ANA - Proposition 8 leaders gathered today to denounce their opponents' post-election tactics as harassment, intimidation and – in the case of white powder sent to two Mormon temples – "domestic terrorism."

Ten days after the Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage was approved by voters, protests and lawsuits by gay marriage opponents show no signs of abating. Indeed, several dozen protesters were on hand outside the Santa Ana hotel where the pro-Prop. 8 press conference was held, and at least two more Orange County protests are planned for the weekend.

Prop. 8 leaders were quick to acknowledge that demonstrations and lawsuits were the right of protesters – but other tactics that were out of bounds.

"What they don't have the right to do is harass and intimidate people," said Frank Schubert, director of the Prop. 8 campaign. "They don't have a right to blacklist and boycott our supporters."

Schubert listed three businesses that had been boycotted or threatened with boycotts by Prop. 8 foes.

Newspaper accounts have specified at least three more. Cinemark Theatres, which
has cinemas in Orange County, has also been mentioned as a possible target.

Leaders of the battle against Prop. 8 and protesters interviewed outside today's press conference condemned the use of violence, threats of physical harm, and the mailing of an unidentified white powder to two temples of the Mormons, who contributed significantly to the Prop. 8 campaign.

Trust me, I have love for the Reg, my former employer and all, but their Prop. 8 stories are so skewed, it drives me batty! Go add your comments!

And, by the way, here is a statement from Salt Lake issued today:

Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.
We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

That, to me, is true class.

For more information go to http://whatisprop8.com