Simple Ceremonies Encouraged for Same-Sex Couples
Chief executive of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Lorri L. Jean encouraged gay and lesbian couples to keep their upcoming wedding ceremonies low-key as images and footage could be used against them during the upcoming vote in November.
In 2000, 60% of Californians voted to keep marriage between a man and a woman. Supporters are now worried that pictures could be used in a campaign to persuade voters that same-sex couples do not have the right to marry.
Kendall Hamilton who will wed his partner of five years stated, “We want everybody to be free, but the image does matter…They are going to try and make us look like freaks.”
Some people believe that by witnessing gay marriages people will become more supportive, as they did when Massachusetts began allowing same-sex marriages in 2004.
President of Equality California, John Duran acknowledges that the LGBT community is known for its flamboyant behavior and states, “We’re under this incredible political pressure not to have those portrayals.”
