Last night the traffic on the streets of Westwood was stopped by a group of angry protesters who are seeking to reopen the Proposition 8 battle.  The protest began in Westwood Blvd and moved west towards the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church). There, protesters were welcomed by a group of Proposition 8 supporters. A small confrontation erupted between the two sides. The West Hollywood police department had to intervene to defuse the tension. No arrests where made and the “No on Proposition 8” protesters moved towards Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente Blvd, and continued to hold a peaceful rally.  The mayor of West Hollywood, Jeffrey Prang, welcomed the protesters with a speech of hope and support for the Prop 8 opponents.

As I walked alongside the protesters, I observed an interesting contrast between the gay and lesbian protesters, and those members of the gay and lesbian community who were sitting in the bars of West Hollywood. Over all, everyone supported the cause, but those who kept to their gay lifestyle of bar hoping and glamour were criticized by the protesters.

Looking at the fight ahead for the gay and lesbian community for the right to get married, I could not help but wonder why the cause seemed less important to those who were drinking as usual that night. I don't know what was going through there minds, but one thing is true, if we as gay and lesbian individuals want to gain those rights that are denied to us, should it be our responsibility to fight for them? I was bothered that there weren’t more protesters on the streets of West Hollywood. When it comes to celebrating the freedom of our sexuality, you see thousands of gay and lesbian people outside on the streets for the pride parades. I only wish the same level passion could be seen now that we have seen a real state wide form of discrimination.

In my opinion, Proposition 8, is a true form of discrimination by the majority of voters in California. It simply says that in the eyes of the state of California “We” are not equal. So, during our next pride parades, will we be as proud knowing we are second-class citizens? 

All is not lost yet.  A petition is currently active and individuals can sign it electronically to try to reopen this proposition.  I would urge you to support this very important issue as the California Supreme Court attempted to do with their decision to recognize same-sex marriages as our fundamental right.  We should also remember that all Americans are harmed when any of us are discriminated against or have our fundamental rights taken away.

There will also be another rally in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 8th at the junction of Sunset Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd in Silver Lake at 6:00pm.

And to find a listing of other rallies in the state of California click here.

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