Gay marriage ban gains momentum

Equality is Overrated: Prop. 8 supporters denounce gay marriage and wave signs on Seaside’s Fremont Street on Oct. 21. Nic Coury

Yes on 8 camp holds rally in Salinas.

By Kera Abraham

Thursday, October 23, 2008

As poll numbers tilt slightly in favor of Proposition 8’s gay marriage ban, the Yes on 8 campaign– which had raised about $8 million more than the opposition as of Sept. 30– is increasing its presence on television, newspapers and city streets.

Roughly 800 people marched in Salinas on Oct. 19 in support of Prop. 8. Jeff Taylor, a Spreckels ag businessman and District 17 Congressional candidate, was grand marshal. “The reason I am emphasizing [Prop. 8] in my campaign is to create as many ‘yes’ voters who support the definition of marriage as God defined it,” he says.

In counterpoint, about 200 Prop. 8 opponents lined the sidewalks in what organizers call a “silent witness” presence. “One can support family values and also be against Proposition 8,” says Lisa Cisneros, a volunteer with Monterey County No on 8 Committee. “The best way to protect all families is to make sure everybody is treated equally under the law.”

The opposition group remained mostly silent as the parade passed through. “For the most part, people were able to resist responding to some of the obscenities that were hurled at us,” Cisneros says.

Taylor agrees that the Prop. 8 opponents were “very quiet and very respectful” while some of the Yes on 8 marchers heckled them. “I think they were taunting a little bit, unfortunately, but it was meant in good spirit,” he says.

Meanwhile, Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin has gone public in her support for a federal Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Her position conflicts with that of her running mate, John McCain, who thinks states should be allowed to make the call.