More NO ON PROP 8

(Video link)

Despite the Mormon Church's donation of $20 million to the Yes on Prop 8 campaign in California, the No campaign appears to be finally gaining some momentum. And if we are successful in preventing the pro-Prop. 8 people from amending the California constitution to eliminate the right of gays and lesbians to marry, it will be because of people like my friend Antonio who has been working tirelessly with the No campaign.

Here's an email he sent me this morning:

I am extremely heartened that in the last several weeks many individuals - including everyone from celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Eric McCormack to politicians like Dianne Feinstein and Arnold Swarzenegger - have all taken a stand for equal rights and are united in opposition to Proposition 8! [Add Bill Clinton to the list. - Michael]

Nearly every major newspaper in California, and a broad range of groups and leaders extending across party lines, and representing teachers, nurses, seniors, business and labor, oppose Proposition 8. Proposition 8 would write discrimination into the California Constitution.

As a gay man, defeating Proposition 8 is *the* most important issue on the ballot for me this November.

Proposition 8 is NOT about protecting children or preserving the sanctity of heterosexual marriage. Parents are free to determine how their children are educated under California law - marriage is NOT taught in public schools in California, and parents are free to "opt out" of sex education should they see fit. Churches would NOT be forced to perform same-sex marriages.

A "NO VOTE" on Proposition 8 would preserve the separation of church and state that is so vital to American jurisprudence. We are all entitled to exercise the same fundamental rights regardless of our religion, our sexuality, or our personal beliefs.

As we head into the final days of the campaign, I appeal to you one last time to please give anything you can to the "No on 8" campaign!

The "Yes on 8" campaign is extremely well-funded and the side that reaches the most people may very well have the edge, regardless of what the facts are - namely, that PROPOSITION 8 WOULD ELIMINATE RIGHTS. IT'S UNFAIR AND IT'S WRONG.

1. You can be sure your contribution will be used to defeat Proposition 8 by donating now at:

www.noonprop8.com/donate
www.hrc.org/BayAreaNoOn8
www.actblue.com/page/acequalityforall
http://www.honorpac.org/

2. Volunteers are needed on election day to defeat Prop 8.

If you live out of state, you can call voters from home using your phone, an internet connection and "No on 8"s automated dialer service.

Sign up now at www.noonprop8.com/v. And please email your contacts to ask them to volunteer, too!

3. Email your contacts and make sure they know the truth - that PROP 8 WOULD ELIMINATE RIGHTS, AND UNFAIRLY SINGLE OUT PEOPLE FOR UNEQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW.

4. On election day, text, email or call your friends and family to ensure they go to the polls and vote (if they haven't already voted early or by mail). Turnout is absolutely key in this election, and it is important that complacency not set in!!!

With your help, we will preserve EQUALITY FOR ALL on Nov 4!

If you contribute by midnight tonight, your much needed dollars will be doubled.

Towleroad has a bunch of information and video here.