Protests against Proposition 8 supporters

Following the passage of California's Proposition 8, Proposition 8 opponents obtained donation lists of those who had supported the ballot measure by contributing to the "Yes on 8" campaign, published the list, organized an activism group, and began calling for boycotts of the places of work of the supporters. There has been controversy about whether this black listing is an appropriate response to the passage of Proposition 8 by those who opposed it.

California Proposition 8

Main article: California Proposition 8 (2008)

California's Proposition 8 was a highly controversial ballot measure which was passed in November of 2008. The measure added the following sentence to the California Constitution, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The measure was passed by 52% of California voters. Supporters of Proposition 8 included a coalition of religious and social conservatives who sought to define marriage in this way after the California Supreme Court allowed same-sex marriage by striking down laws which had been enacted by popular vote in anticipation of the court's decision. Those opposed to Proposition 8 argued that same-sex couples deserved the same public recognition and legal rights that heterosexual couples were afforded, and that this could not be achieved without same-sex marriage being recognized by the state. There are now multiple legal challenges by those opposed to Proposition 8 before the state courts.

Those Unemployed As a Consequence of Boycott

To date, the following people have left their work over the controversy:

• Scott Eckern, Artistic Director, California Musical Theatre, November 15th, 2008
• Richard Raddon, Director, Los Angeles Film Festival, November 25th, 2008

Ongoing or Possible Boycotts

• Marjorie Chrisofferson, Manager, El Coyote in Los Angeles
• Alan Stock, Chief Executive, Cinemark Theatres
• Terry Caster, Owner, A-1 Self-Storage
• Sundance Film Festival

Criticism of Boycotts

Many public figures, writers, commentators, and citizens through letters to publications have begun to express concern over the actions that are occurring. Some have referred to action this as political or even religious persecution or bigotry, especially since many of those targeted are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some have noted that although Blacks may have had a larger impact on the vote than LDS Church members as a percentage of those who voted for the measure, although it is the Mormons who are considered the easier target and thus are attacked. Some have compared it to the blacklisting of suspected and known Communists during the post-World War II period. Others state that it is merely expressing their freedom of speech and restricting money to organizations and companies which do not uphold their personal social and political views.

Response

Greg Araki, an independent filmmaker in Los Angeles said, "The bottom line is if [Raddon] contributed money to a hateful campaign against black people, or against Jewish people, or any other minority group, there would be much less excusing of him."