Photo: Devin Elijah Washington
We sent Jason Nelson out to last night's No on 8 protest in New York City. This is his report...
We began at the Mormon Temple on 65th and Columbus and proceeded to Columbus Circle, where protesters held signs for passing traffic and media. The group, which consisted of approximately 5,000 protesters, included Judy Gold -- of course the comedienne's sign had the best punchline: "Britney Spears: 55 hours. Me: Never?" -- and Whoopi Goldberg, taking a break from her uninformed and confused View co-hosts Elizabeth Hasselback and Sherri Shepherd.
And sure, we were there for a good cause -- but it was the sign-watching that provided the best entertainment. Most focused on the positive -- having been urged by organizers to shy away from attacks on the Mormon church specifically, although some rebels still commented on the Mormons' history of polygamy. One had a cutout of Sarah Palin with a word bubble saying, "My husband's gay, but we stay married anyway." Another said, "Who do you think designed the dress you wore to your wedding?" Someone carried a blow-up of Charlize Theron on the cover of the Advocate (she has publicly stated that she will not get married until everyone can). On the back of that one, written in large black letters, it said: "We are an Obama Nation, not an abomination." My favorite part was a little girl, maybe 8 years old, holding a sign that said simply, "Be nice to gay people."
All in all it was a lovely evening with perfect weather, a peaceful crowd and -- in all seriousness -- solidarity for a cause. We haven't seen a community this united since Britney shaved her head.
-- JASON NELSON
Comments