Gay Activist Opposes Church Protests
Last month, I posted this letter from fellow retired LAPD officer John Smith. He was one of the first LAPD officers to “come out of the closet” during the early 1990s. In his letter, Smith explained why he voted YES on Proposition 8 and gay protests at churches. John and his partner live in Southern California, and I am honored to consider him a friend.
Today, as I listened to the news talking about the Prop 8 protests, I dusted off my retirement shadow box which displays my retired police badge. I reflected back on the oath of office I took as a young man - the day I joined the Los Angeles Police Department. As I took this oath, I gave my word to “always live my life as an example to all.”
Although I am retired, these words hold deep significance to me. Like most cops, I know the how difficult it is to do the right thing – especially when “the masses” disagree with you. Just as the “gay community” expresses their outrage over the passage of Proposition 8, I also want my voice to be heard.
As a retired police officer who is also gay, words cannot describe my anger at the gay community’s violent response to the passage of Proposition 8. I am deeply offended by the hypocritical behavior of the gay community.
I am not an openly religious man. In fact, I have rarely (if ever) discussed my personal religious values. Until now.
I believe in God.
I believe in the American right to worship in peace and free from interference.
If asked if I believe in God I would answer yes with no further comment. My faith is a deeply personal matter. It is not open for discussion or debate. Although our world is full of religious extremism, I have a soft spot in my heart for all biblical literalists. When we read the Bible, I believe that our interpretations are largely influenced by our context, language, culture, and customs.
The Bible and these factors help to shape our views as to what The Bible “really” means to us, and how we apply it to the world around us.
Since the dawn of our country, we are guaranteed to worship (or not worship) as we choose. “The Church” (regardless of denomination) is the cornerstone of our society. Because of the influence of religion, “The Church” has as right to engage in public debate about personal conduct and appropriate behavior within society as they view it, according to their religious teachings. While this does not mean we will always agree, there is no middle ground in my life when it comes to the desecration of ANY CHURCH.
Hours after the passage of Proposition 8, angry mobs assembled in the predominantly gay City of West Hollywood and routed along numerous Southern California streets. One of their targets was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) in West Los Angeles. This mob singled out LDS church for providing major funding for the Yes on 8 campaigns.
These allegedly “peaceful protesters” (mostly GLBT) totally ignored the Catholic Church, black and Latino community and other groups which supported the Yes on 8 campaign – an act that smacks of religious bigotry. (I am not Mormon and the last time I was in a church of any sort was when I spoke at my sister-in-law’s funeral earlier this year.)
The mob continued their tantrum into the early morning hours after Election Day. As they yelled and screamed, I thought about our troops who are fighting in the war zones in the Middle East where they are fighting religious extremism under strict “rules of engagement.” When it comes to places of worship, these rules PROHIBIT our troops from entering into, firing upon, or taking any defensive or offensive military action against Islamic combatants – even if they are in or near an Islamic Mosque. Even if fired upon, our troops cannot return fire in self defense when a Mosque is involved. The reason: Our nation respects places of worship - even in war zones. Even when our enemies use houses of worship as cover and concealment we, as a nation, will not deliberately desecrate any house of worship.
The day after the first protest, a second protest was initiated. This protest was lead by Lori L. Jean, Director of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center. Lori Jean was the highly visible spokesperson for the “No on 8” campaign. She personally led a mob of riotous protesters to the front gates of the LDS Church in West LA, where she held her press conference. Lori Jean and her mob were joined by Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgado – an elected official with The City of Los Angeles. Lori Jeans’ words were nothing short of riot provoking.
After Lori spewed her angry words before news cameras, the violence began. In the Friday edition of the Los Angeles Times, we see helmeted Los Angeles Police Officers engaging two idiots with their signs of hate. The TV video footage from this protest is even more appalling than the LA times account.
As I watched the footage, I wondered if any other sensible Americans sensed the irony that our nation prohibits our embattled soldiers from assaulting houses of worship, even at their own peril, while these donkeys think nothing of desecrating a house of worship on Main Street America over a ballot measure!
I saw images of protesters marching to LA’s CNN headquarters, protesters jumping onto marked LAPD patrol cars, crashing through police lines and not being wrestled to the ground by uniformed LAPD officers. These are NOT peaceful protests. These images depict revolutionary tactics by militant members of the gay community.
I thought about the events that took place even before the election:
- The Modesto man who was beaten for trying to place “Yes on 8” signs on his lawn
- Five gay men arrested in Fullerton for the destruction of “Yes on 8” signs (they had just left a gay “No on 8” rally.
- A gay Palmdale man posted a message on MYSPACE which stated, “Burn down the Mormon Church!”
Even where I live in sleepy little Acton (California), I saw several young men destroying “Yes on 8” signs. After committing their crime, they ran to a waiting car with a “rainbow” sticker attached to it.
Earlier this week, a gay man in my circle of friends (a West Hollywood resident) used his Los Angeles City computer workstation to transmit an E-mail in which he suggested his intent to commit “cyber terrorism” against those who provided money and support to the Yes campaign. Many of the addresses he posted also were government addresses, and the City of Los Angeles has strict policies which prohibit the use of City equipment and computers for personal reasons. LA City employees and police officers have been disciplined and fired for the misuse of city computers.
Long Beach protesters were arrested for crashing through police lines. In Palm Springs, angry mobs forcefully ripped a plastic cross out of the hands of an elderly woman in a yellow dress. What COWARDS! What kind of courage does it take to attack an old woman and stomp her cross? As the hateful mobs of intolerant idiots stomped her cross into oblivion they nearly knocked the women down. Given her advanced age, any fall could have caused her serious injury.
The images and actions I have described are extreme and despicable. It is hardly a believable argument to suggest that these are “isolated incidents” and the actions of “a few.”
These are not “peaceful protests.” They cannot be justified. The angry words and tone of Lori Jean make it clear she endorsees the use of violence as a means of intimidation and terror towards anyone who voted yes, or supported the Yes on 8 campaigns. The actions of the mob and the silent acquiescence of LA’s top prosecutor make it clear that Lori Jean and the others will stop at nothing to force their views upon the rest of the people in this State – no matter what the “will of the voters” may be.
The angry mobs want us to believe that the protesters are the majority. But this is no majority by any means: One thousand or 10,000 people do not represent 52% of the voters in this state.
I closely watched the events unfold since the election one week ago. It is mind numbing to see how ignorant my community is. To say, “I told you so” is pointless.
It is clear that the GLBT community assumes that our new democratic President-elect will soon come to their rescue when he takes office. Yet, the gay community has forgotten that, during the presidential debates, Obama declared his intention to leave the issue of Gay marriage to individual states while stating his support of “domestic partnerships and civil unions.”
No matter what you think or how you voted; our new president will have his hands full on January 20, 2009. Our economy, two wars, rising unemployment, and a host of other issues don’t even compare to the frivolous debate over same-sex marriage. Once again, the gay community should prepare themselves for disappointment.
For me, the question is where (as a gay man) do I go from here? I hate conflict, yet I will never shy away from it when it is imposed upon me.
Extreme behavior requires extreme action. Because many gay-owned and operated businesses provide finical support to various gay organizations and specifically the No on 8 movements, I will not patronize ANY business which caters to the gay community. Because West Hollywood is “ground zero” for the militant protests and desecration of the LDS church, I will not spend my money in that city.
In a sense, I have cut off ALL support that I once had for the gay community. I am taking a stand - a stand based upon my values, my beliefs, and all that I hold dear.
I have asked that my name be removed from the Gay Police officer’s E- Mail list. Why? They intend to hold their annual holiday party in West Hollywood.
One of these groups (Protect and Defend) openly supported the No on 8 campaigns. As public safety organization, Protect and Defend has a DUTY to remain impartial and professional. They have a DUTY to speak out against civil unrest. The moderator of the Protect and Defends’ MYSPACE page made it clear that he/they support the “No on 8” movement.
I never want to be associated with any group that tacitly approves of, or has political ties to, groups like the “No on 8” movement. I will never allow myself to be associated with any group or person who recklessly involves themselves with movements like this.
In the past, my partner and I have taken our horses to both West Hollywood and Long Beach for the parades. We wore our traditional western attire on our hoses and proudly carried the flags of our nation and state. Not anymore! Let these jokers get some “stripper” to carry them. After all, that’s the type of “tasteless” behavior they tend to condone and enjoy.
As for my web site, ANYONE who wants to use my web page as a spring board to get any sort of message out about Prop 8 or any pending No on 8 rallies WILL BE DELEATED! I will then block that person or business from future access to my web page. As for those friends who hosted “fund raisers” for the No on 8 movements, you are no longer welcome at my home. You used poor judgment in your choice of associations.
Let’s face it – you lost in more ways than one.
Anyone in my circle of friends who chooses to participate in riot-like behavior does so at his or her own risk. You and your associations with militants will harm our friendship beyond repair. I hold you personally accountable for your actions, the actions of the community you embrace, and the actions of those you associate with.
Gays and lesbians are certainly entitled to their political views, but I hold my community accountable for the violence they perpetrate, approve of, that now takes place; the same violence I predicted in my open letter to the Gay Community Center back on October 10, 2008. I will never associate with anyone who condones or supports the use of violence to achieve any political agenda.
I believe in the right of people to worship as they choose – even if it means they believe I am going to hell on a bobsled simply because I am gay man.
I will never support the desecration or violent assault upon any church. If the angry idiots who have been protesting want to label the “Yes on 8” supporters and the LDS Church as bigots, please add my name JOHN SMITH – A GAY MAN to the top of your list. I voted “Yes on 8” and I wear your label as a badge of honor, without fear.
Those who know me best know that I walk my talk. I am a man of integrity and honesty. People have a right to their political views and to vote as they see fit; but, at the end of the day, we all live in a democracy.
Gay marriage has polarized our communities. No one has the right to use violence, intimidation, harassment, or goading tactics to force their views onto others and yet, this is exactly what is happening.
As a gay man, who spent years protecting my community as a gay police officer, I am deeply ashamed of my community. I am disgusted with what I have seen, read, and heard. I have listened to the pathetic people within my community who try to justify these protests as “free speech.”
I personally extend my deepest and most heartfelt apology to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in not only Los Angeles but elsewhere in the United States. Please understand that the actions of a few mindless idiots do not represent the majority of the gay community.
To all people of faith in California and across the United States who have been targets of hate by the bigots of the gay community, I apologize to you as well. While we may disagree on some aspects of faith, we agree on our right to worship in peace, vote as we believe, and support the political causes of our choice without fear of reprisal.
I am proud as an American to stand next to you. I support you. I lend my voice to your voice. I speak out in support of your rights, regardless of our differences regarding gay relationships. This is my way of living my life as an example to all. I hope that people will understand that not all gay men are mindless or cowardly imbeciles like those marching in the streets all over California.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Wow. Just Wow. I am so impressed with your article. I don’t want to steal any of your thunder, but don’t you think that we could remove the “gay” from your post and replace it with just about any other one of our problems. You have not just stated an opinion, you have given life’s imperatives. Thank you.
November 10th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Timothy - YES, I’d like to rid ourselves of the labels that Democrats insist we use.
The problem is that, to the gay, black, feminist, and martian “communities,” anyone who does not agree with them is labeled homophobic, racist, anti-women, or anti-immigrant.
Similarly, gays, blacks, feminists, and martians who support mainstream society are labeled as “self-loathing.” If we surrender to this kind of Orwellian manipulation, it’s impossible to win any argument on its merits.
I’ve known John for nearly 20 years. He’s a good man, a good cop, and one of the more courageous guys I knew in the Marine Corps and LAPD. John’s mainstream despite his orientation - which is NONE of our business.
In this case, I suspect that the only reason John identifies himself as gay is so that other rational gays are less afraid to call these moronic protesters for what they are.
It’s clear that the overwhelming majority of Americans don’t care who, how, or why we love. The majority of Californians support civil unions that convey ALL of the rights and privileges of marriage. Their demonstrations, however, prove that the issue has more to do with their heterophobic and theophobic hatred than with the love they allegedly seek to profess to each other.
November 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
That was a very great article.
According to my faith, we are all on the same bobsled.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
If I know anything about my community it is this- I can say things as a gay man others cannot- why, my community will go after you and lable you and destroy your credablity. I have seen it time and atime again- heck they did it to me not knowing I was gay (boy can I tell you some stories!)
I hate labels- yet, we have people in our society who need lables to exist (Al Sharpten, Lori Jean, and others). The only way to drive my point home and make sure my community understand that those out in ther streets are out of step is to identify myself totally.
Last time I wrote and artical, I had tons of hate mail which doubted that I was a “real person” and “even gay.” This time I sent a photo and made it point to ensure these yo-yo’s would not have the abilty to question me in those areas.
Sadly, what is now going on now extends beyond this whole prop 8 madness. In this case CA is NOT out of step with other states who had ballot measures coving GLBT’s, marriage, and addoption of kids. Florida, Arkansa, and I think-Arizona all had similar measures on this last ballot and all passed. Yet, in CALIFORNIA people have decided to thumb their nose at the voters, and the way we determine law; so the militants took to the streets as they have.
The voters have spoken- it is a done deal (until they drag it into court again). This is the second time the voters have spoken on this topic.
What is now at issue is this-and I hope people understand this, “do we (as civilazed people) allow a small militant group of people the ability to override “the will of the people” using ‘court legal tricks?’ When this happens-why should we as voters in this state even bother going to the polls anymore? If the protesters get their way, they will re-write the way we as people in this state, make policy, and develop policy. In a sense they are thumbing their noses at the voters saying “we dont care what you want or what you think.” In away the protesters want to “gut” the way we as a state do business and make law. The protesters want to re-make the system to suit thier own needs-when this happens we are no longer living in a “democracy” it is something else.
If this happens do I get to go to court and challenge the election of Oboma-I did not voter for him! Do I get to stop paying taxes becuase I voted against prop R-which raised sales tax. I hope people can understand how dangerous this gets when we allow things like this to happen.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Your views and clarity are a breath of fresh air! I commend your stance of avoiding WeHo, prop 8 supported businesses, and, the even braver stand of disassociating with friends who condone and/or idly approve of the thuggery tactics.
I wondered, after watching the disgusting behavior of those in Palm Springs, and hearing the man who said that ‘those few’ did not represent their community, how that could be possible? Mamma used to say ‘ Guilt by association’.
In any case, I’m a little late to the party, as your post was written a few days ago, but I could not resist the opportunity to applaud and thank you.
I intend to forward your article on to several of my more ‘unenlightened’ friends.
God Bless and hold you dear.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Thank you IRMAROSE, please send it to whom ever you want- the GLBT community wants to install a “code of silence” within the community to make it appear we are all in this together-we are not.
They are going it alone on this one, and they are losing more than an ballot measure.
November 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m also late to the party, but want to tell the author, John, that I appreciate this article very much.
It has helped healed the resentment within me against the gay community for how they’ve acted since the passing of Prop 8. It is disheartening to say the least to see how they’ve vandalized places of worship, and hurled insults to people who disagree with them. They want to people to accept them, but spew venom on anyone who has a differing opinion.
Thanks John, I needed to know that not every gay person feels that way or condones these violent angry actions that I’ve seen on TV.
I’ve been just sickened by what I’m seeing as the “backlash” of Prop 8, the intimidation and fear tactics may be working– it makes people think twice before speaking their beliefs, for fear of bodily harm done to them.
So again, thank you for your speaking up, we needed to hear that to start the healing and not be intimidated anymore. Your message needs to be heard.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Today, I saw the press release from the Yes on 8 side. I am also aware of the cowardly act at the LDS church involving the “white powder” yesterday.
The pain is was clear- since I wrote this artical I have been angery with my community beyond words. I of all people know that people of faith are not bigots and they do not hate me- we may disagree on some issues, but it a big leap to say it is “hate”. I am sorry for what has happened.
I just took this artical and sent it to the LDS church via the web and yes on 8 people. if you have access to them please make sure they read it. I have offered to stand with them-shoulder to shoulder, if need be, and support them in public infront of the media. I am willing to “walk my talk.”
I do not know if the yes on 8 people or the LDS CHURCH will take me up on this offer but I felt compelled to do it.
Also today, a gay LA City worker used his city workstation to transmit E mails about upcoming protests and his personal views and remarks on future activism against the Yes on 8 people.
I took his E-mail and sent it to the proper investigators (LAPD internal affairs) for action. I made sure that they knew this was coming from a gay man- God forbid this clown think he is being picked on becuase he is also gay!
His sending of the e mails is a clear violation of city policy and places the city in a difficult postion. It also can cuase a “hostile work enviorment” if others disagree with him. I was assured quick action would be taken to stop this type of activity while he was at work.
Make no mistake about it- I am doing everything within my power to bring an end to this madness. I know of others in the gay community who are also working to end this. many feel that this has gone to far. Sadly however, it is like riding on a “run away train”- nobody is really sure how to stop it, but we are trying.
John