Cali. May Not Be All Bad

[R13]

LOS ANGELES - On the first Sunday after a gay marriage ban passed in California, activists rallied in defiance, including hundreds of protesters outside an Orange County megachurch whose pastor brought Barack Obama and John McCain together last summer for a "faith forum."

About 300 gay-rights advocates fanned out along sidewalks leading to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest to voice their anger of the church's support of Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment approved by voters Tuesday that overturns a state Supreme Court decision in May legalizing same-sex unions.

Ed Todeschini, a Human Rights Campaign volunteer, accused Saddleback in particular of helping propagate what he called misinformation about the Supreme Court ruling, including that gay marriage would have to be taught to kindergartners.

A message seeking comment left at the church's main office, which was closed Sunday, was not immediately returned.

"They told such obvious lies. They used their lies to deceive the public," Todeschini said of the church, which gained national attention in August when its pastor, Rick Warren, brought Obama and McCain together to discuss their religious faith. The two candidates embraced during an often-contentious presidential campaign.

A peaceful rally
Todeschini said Sunday's rally was peaceful, with demonstrators waving placards with slogans including "Equality for all" and "Shame on you."

The amendment was passed last week with 52 percent of the vote, and backlash at churches over their support swept across California on Sunday after days of protests.

In Oakland, a large protest at the city's Mormon temple led the California Highway Patrol to close two highway ramps to ensure pedestrian safety. Protest organizers said they hoped to tone down the anger that has characterized some previous demonstrations.

"Our intent is not to disturb churchgoers," organizer Tim DeBenedictis said in a statement. "Our goal is to mend fences and build bridges so that all Californians can achieve marriage equality under the law."

The pastor of the 4,000-member All Saints Church in Pasadena spoke out against Proposition 8, calling the religious community's support of it "embarrassing."

Blessing gay civil unions
The church announced that while it could no longer legally marry same-sex couples, it would continue blessing gay civil unions.

"It's very unfortunate and embarrassing that the (Christian religion) is in large part responsible for this act of bigotry," the Rev. Ed Bacon said after his sermon.


In Sacramento, a protest at the state Capitol was boisterous but peaceful as speakers led the crowd in noisy chants. Protesters waved rainbow flags, a symbol of the gay rights movement, and "No on 8" signs as police watched from the side.

Speaking on CNN's "Late Edition" Sunday, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed disappointment at Proposition 8's passage.

"It is unfortunate," Schwarzenegger said. "But it is not the end because I think this will go back into the courts. ... It's the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27634025/

[MikeJones]

R13 r you a homo? Skin color versus where someone wants to stick their cock is 2 different categories. The history of either should not be compared.

[R13]

Wtf are you talking about? That was just an article from MSNBC, Arnie said it. He was comparing the times when other groups of people were banned from marrying like with gays today. Has nothing to do with sex, just marriage. Can you comprehend?

[MikeJones]

Yep, Seems you cant tho. You posted the article that compared the 2. Didn't think you would take the homo question so hard. You have answer for everything else.

[R13]

The article wasnt on comparing the 2, it was about them protesting and that was just the last few lines. And when I said that, it wasnt referring to your first comment..just ignored that and wanted to know what you were talking about since it wasnt a ban on them screwin but getting married.

[MikeJones]

So are you a homo?

[R13]

No.

[MikeJones]

If you where it would be ok with you tho?

[R13]

Huh? I dont think I could picture myself being gay. And I dont think its right and dont agree with it, but I also dont think its right to force your religious beliefs down others throats and making them 2nd class citizens.

[MikeJones]

SO if you wanted to marry a 9 yr old girl you shoud be able to? I think its wrong and wouldnt agree with it. But If you and her both agree? You would be cool with it?