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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New York Times Demonizes Supporters of Marriage Equality
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tell the NYTimes What YOU Think About Their Editorial!
Calls to action aren’t always meant to stop bad things from happening. Sometimes we act to show our thanks or support. The New York Times has greatly increased its meaningful coverage of LGBT issues, especially family issues, over the last few years.
Just a few days ago the NYTimes penned this eloquent editorial on Arkansas’s Act 1, the ballot measure that banned all unmarried, cohabitating couples (including all gay and lesbian couples) from fostering or adopting children in the state.
Join the Family Equality Council in praising the NY times for their positive coverage and editorials of LGBT issues.
To submit a letter to the New York Times, follow these guidelines from their letter submission page:
Letters for publication should be no longer than 150 words, must refer to an article that has appeared within the last seven days, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please.
Send a letter to the editor by e-mailing letters@nytimes.com or faxing (212)556-3622.
You may also mail your letter to:
Letters to the Editor
The New York Times
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New York, NY 10018
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