A Prop 8 round-up

The Atlantic magazine reports today ^[1] that a new internal poll by supporters of Proposition 8 reveals the ballot measure tied at 44% to 44% among those polled. Prop 8 would rewrite the California state constitution to eliminate the right to marry for same sex couples.

California Faultline ^[2]’s David Markland (former LA Metblogs captain) says a recent Public Policy Inst. of CA poll showed Prop 8 being defeated, with 44% of those polled supporting it while 52% opposed it.

LA Times ran an editorial ^[3] saying the governor has reneged on his April promise to oppose Prop 8, siting a statement he made in April to gay political organization Log Cabin Republicans. “I will always be there to fight against that because it should never happen,” said Schwarzenegger.  He also called the proposition “a total waste of time.”

No on Prop 8 has a slew of ads on their site ^[4]in English and Spanish by community leaders and show biz celebs, as well as a series of clever spots modeled on the “Mac vs. PC” ads from Apple. (The company recently announced a $100,000 donation to defeat Prop 8 ^[5].)

Bay Area Reporter ^[6] today reports the No on Prop 8 organizations have caught up to supporters of the amendment in dollars raised to the tune of $32 million. But yesterday, civil rights non-profit Equality California posted on it’s website ^[7] that $3 million was urgently needed by weeks end or Prop 8 would most likely pass, due to huge infusions of money coming from the Utah-based Mormom church.

SF Chronicle ^[8] says Mormons are receiving a disproportionate amount of the heat over their support for Prop 8, considering that only 2% of the Californians are LDS members. However, the article also points out:

The Yes on 8 campaign estimates that up to 40 percent of its donations come from Mormons. Some others estimate that Mormons account for over 70 percent of donations from individuals.

(Could it be payback for Hollywood’s depiction of the polygamous lifestyle of the sect on HBO’s Big Love and the gay-themed movie Latter Days ^[9], which told the romantic story of a relationship between a Mormon missionary and the West Hollywood gay guy he falls in love with?)

SF Gate has a handy data-base ^[10] that allows you to search for the names of contributors and the amount they donated on either side of the issue. You can search by name as well as by state, city and zip codes. Get to know your neighbors!

Out in Hollywood ^[11] reported that Ellen Degeneris has contributed a large sum for No on 8 advertising, as well as releasing her own video ad ^[12] to counter false, misleading ads released by Prop 8 supporters.

Related posts:

1. Date for campaign to repeal Prop 8 still up in the air ^[13]
2. New LA Times poll on same-sex marriage ^[14]
3. Prop 8 battle will continue into spring ^[15]
4. Classic Eats #2: Poll Closes Today! Vote Vote Vote! ^[16]
5. Special election next Tuesday connects to Prop 8 ^[17]