Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

According to a post on Bioethics Forum:

Using the power of one’s wallet to effect social change: that’s got to be one of the best-loved steps in the beautiful dance we call American democracy. And so leaders in the LBGT activist community have called for a boycott of businesses owned by individuals who contributed to California’s Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment that rolled back the right to marriage for same-sex couples in California.

The Manchester Hyatt Hotel, in San Diego, is one of those businesses. Its owner, Doug Manchester, contributed $125,000 in an effort to stop gay and lesbian Californians from being allowed to marry. Nevertheless, executives of the American Psychological Association (APA) have opted to go ahead and use the Manchester Hyatt as a headquarter hotel for the APA’s 2010 meeting, against the vocal objections of many of the APA’s own members.

What’s especially striking is that the APA seems to be violating its own policies in this matter. As Psychologists for Social Responsibility noted on its blog, “the APA’s 2004 policy statement on sexual orientation and marriage includes a specific resolution that the association ‘shall take a leadership role in opposing all discrimination in legal benefits, rights, and privileges against same-sex couples.’” Meanwhile, the APA’s own ethics code specifically states as a principle that “psychologists respect and protect civil and human rights.” So what gives?

More here!

End of Ken Garff Automotive Group Boycott

Fred Karger, Founder, Californians Against Hate

“Two weeks ago, we called for a boycott of Ken Garff Automotive Group at a Salt Lake City news conference. A reporter there asked me if I would be willing to meet with John Garff, CEO of the company. A few hours later, I was in his office. We had a wide ranging and very productive 2 hour meeting.

John Garff and his father, Robert Garff, later met with Utah philanthropist and leader in the national LGBT community, Bruce Bastian. The purpose of that meeting was to share perspectives and to discuss a variety of issues in an effort to find mutual respect and understanding. As a result of this meeting, I am pleased to announce that Californians Against Hate will immediately end its boycott of the Ken Garff Automotive Group.”

Bruce Bastian, LGBT Philanthropist

“Last Friday, I met with Robert and John Garff. I believe that both Robert and John left the meeting with a better understanding of my work, the LGBT community, and the emotional significance of the passing of Proposition 8 to our community. I believe the Garff family now fully understands how sensitive and important this issue is to our community and to their friends and neighbors.

As Utah progresses towards an era of equality for all families, I am extremely grateful to the Garff family for being willing to listen to the community in which they reside and do business. I look forward to working together towards a better future for all.”

John Garff, CEO, Ken Garff Automotive Group

“In response to the Ken Garff Automotive Group boycott that was called for by Californians Against Hate, I met with Fred Karger, its founder. My father, Robert, and I subsequently met with Bruce Bastian, a national LGBT philanthropist with local ties to Utah. I believe we all came away from those meetings with a greater level of mutual respect and understanding.”

Contact: Fred Karger @ 619-592-2008

Manchester Hyatt Boycott Proven Successful

It’s been reported that the ongoing boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt by gay activists, labor groups and the GLBT community in general has cost the hotel $2.4 million in canceled meetings and conventions since the boycott began earlier this year.

GayAgenda reported in July, that the owner of the Manchester donated $125,000 to Proposition 8, the November 4th ballot measure that took away the right of same-sex couples to marry. After discovering the donation, weekly protest were held in front of the 1,625-room Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Hotel Marketing Manager Kelly Commerford said union protests have cost the hotel $2.4 million because of canceled bookings, in conjunction with meetings at the property or the San Diego Convention Center.

Mormons Make Mistakes Too

The gay community is angry about the passage of Prop. 8, and we have a right to be. We have a right to demonstrate, and yes—even a right to boycott. We can bring giants down if we want to.  But I submit that an El Coyote boycott isn’t the right place to put our energy right now.

I personally was moved to tears in the meeting with Christofferson because I understand the deep conflict that her religious convictions can cause. I grew up in Utah, raised by both Mormons and Catholics, and I lost many of my friends after coming out to them 12 years ago. So I could empathize with Marjorie, who was clearly conflicted on the issue. But a boycott would probably put El Coyote out of business and 89 families out of work. Is that the best strategy for winning those undecided minds to our cause?  And when the business is gone, then what?

Read more at PeaceLoveLunges!