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Calif. Gay Marriage Fight Centers on Chinatown

Campaigners hope to repeat success in changing Asian attitudes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2009 3:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – Campaigners seeking to bring legalized gay marriage back to California believe their success in Chinatown points the way forward, Reuters reports. The state's Asian communities swung in favor of gay marriage faster than any other group over the last decade as advocates worked to bring taboos into the open and tailor their message towards different cultures. They hope similar tactics will help change attitudes in the black and Latino communities.

"What we felt we had to do is talk to people who aren't on our side. So that's why we do these crazy things like walk through the streets of Chinatown as part of the New Year's Parade," the chair of one activist group said. "That's why we go out to festivals from Little India to Little Tokyo and talk to complete strangers."   

Julian Abelskamp, center, holds a sign with others during a rally to protest the California Supreme Court 's decision to uphold Proposition 8.
Julian Abelskamp, center, holds a sign with others during a rally to protest the California Supreme Court 's decision to uphold Proposition 8.   (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Supporters of same-sex marriage organized by Latino activists pass through the edge of Chinatown during a march in Los Angeles last November.
Supporters of same-sex marriage organized by Latino activists pass through the edge of Chinatown during a march in Los Angeles last November.   (Getty Images)
Star Trek legend George Takei, aka Mr. Sulu, looks at wedding photos with his husband Brad Altman. Takei has been a vocal supporter of marriage rights for gays.
Star Trek legend George Takei, aka "Mr. Sulu," looks at wedding photos with his husband Brad Altman. Takei has been a vocal supporter of marriage rights for gays.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
prowlerzee
Jun 19, 2009 12:30 PM CDT
Boycott Marriott and Staples...both are Mormon companies.
MarkFL
Jun 19, 2009 12:20 PM CDT
Anyone who knows a gay person should favor their rights as equals. The only ones opposed are those who live in places where people are afraid to come out. Gay people pose no threat, either to people or society at large, and those who would deny them marriage rights or adoption rights are just plain ignorant and un-American. I say that we should ban marriage for all opponents of gay marriage. They are ruining the sanctity of our constitution!
ChickenChopper
Jun 19, 2009 10:10 AM CDT
that's their m.o.

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