New York Times Demonizes Supporters of Marriage Equality

The New York Times has published an article that perpetuates the propaganda of anti-gay organizations, falsely accusing supporters of marriage equality of harassment and intimidation. Brad Stone’s article, which appeared in the Business section, is full of hyperbole and inflammatory generalizations that are not worthy for print.

In their article they say "For the backers of Proposition 8, the state ballot measure to stop single-sex couples from marrying in California, victory has been soured by the ugly specter of intimidation.

Some donors to groups supporting the measure have received death threats and envelopes containing a powdery white substance, and their businesses have been boycotted.

The targets of this harassment blame a controversial and provocative Web site, eightmaps.com"

This isn’t journalism. It is anti-gay propaganda. The vast majority of marriage equality supporters are decent, law abiding citizens. No arrests have been made in connection with the isolated incident involving the alleged mailing of a white powdery substance to Prop 8 supporters. There have been no arrests of marriage equality supporters for death threats or acts of intimidation.

The article also perpetuates the notion that boycotts are somehow equivalent to harassment. How does one harass a business owner by taking his or her business elsewhere?

This kind of propaganda and political scapegoating is nothing new. It was used by those who opposed desegregation of schools and businesses in the 1950s and ’60s. Those who participated in boycotts and protests were blamed for numerous social ills and accused of intimidation.

If you object to this kind of anti-gay propaganda being published by the New York Times, please contact:

Arthur Sulzberger Jr., Chairman & Publisher: publisher@nytimes.com

Scott H. Heekin-Canedy, President, General Manager: president@nytimes.com

Crossposted from Salinas Valley Equality.