ADVISORY: Prop. 8 violence condemned by ACLU in Sacramento

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Contact: ACLU, Sacramento press office 916/996-9170

As names of Prop. 8 donors are disclosed, ACLU
in Sacramento releases statement condemning violence

SACRAMENTO – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Sacramento
Chapter, has released a statement expressing concerns about reports of
violence involving those who supported, or opposed, Proposition 8, the
successful effort to abolish same-sex marriage in California.

The ACLU/Sacramento made the statement as the names of financial
supporters of the measure were being made public, and disclosed on
news and other websites across the state. The statement follows:

"After the passage of Proposition 8 on November 4, 2008 it was widely
reported in the media that churches and synagogues whose members and clergy
expressed opinions on both sides of the debate concerning gay marriage were
the object of vandalism.

"As the courts consider various legal issues arising out of the gay
marriage issue, the Sacramento Chapter of the ACLU wishes to reiterate that
it strongly condemns conduct which uses violence, defaces property, or
engages in other illegality in the name of any cause or point of view.

"This is particularly the case when that conduct deprives people of their
legal rights and their opportunity to participate in their community's
political or social life simply because of their race, religion, gender,
national origin, sexual orientation, or other group characteristic.

"Our democracy is based on the strength of its citizens to engage in free
and vigorous debate, but is diminished and weakened when expressing a
message crosses over into violence and harassment. When the object of that
conduct is a place of worship, it is of enhanced concern because it is an
attack on the fundamental right of individuals to gather and practice their
religion free of harassment and violence. An attack on any religious
institution or on a person because of their religion is an attack on us all.

"We support individuals holding opinions on all sides of the debate over
gay marriage to continue to engage in their right of free speech vigorously
and forcefully but to do so in a way that does not cross the line of
violence, harassment, or other illegality."

-End Statement -