DeGeneres speaks against Proposition 8

by for PinkNews.co.uk
30 September 2008, 11:52am

American lesbian comedienne and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres has called for Californians to reject Proposition 8.

The amendment to the marriage legislation would effectively ban gay marriage in California, if it passed a public vote in November.

Ms DeGeneres, who married her partner, actress Portia de Rossi in August, urged people to oppose Proposition 8 on her blog. She wrote:

“There’s a California Proposition on the ballot that’s a little confusing. It’s Proposition 8.

“It’s called, ‘The California Marriage Protection Act’ – but don’t let the name fool you. It’s not protecting anyone’s marriage. Not yours. Not mine.

“The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It’s like if someone asked you, ‘You don’t want dessert, right?’ But you do want dessert so you say, ‘Yes,’ which really means you don’t want dessert.

“And if you say, ‘No,’ which means you do want dessert – it sounds like you don’t. Either way, you don’t get what you want. See – confusing. Just like Prop. 8.

“So, in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right – please VOTE NO on Proposition 8.

“And now that you’re informed, spread the word.

“I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts – I love my new toaster.”

The campaigns for and against Proposition 8 have grown over the past few months, with donations pouring into both campaigns.

Supporters of the ban on gay marriage had raised $1.2 million (£650,000) by late August for their cause.

Other celebrities have been lending their names to the opposition of proposition 8.

Actor Brad Pitt and director Steven Spielberg have both donated large sums of money to gay rights campaigners fighting the ban.

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