A few days back I wrote a diary stating that, in my opinion, people who supported Proposition 8 in CA, which strips gays and lesbians of the rights all others share, were bigots.
While I stand by that assertion, some in the comments suggested that some supporters were merely suffering from ignorance that was fed by the lies coming from those that despise anyone who is gay (Mormons, Catholics, generally angry people, etc). Thus, bigotry is not fair.
I kinda sorta agree on that point, in certain cases.
But what to make of Scott Eckern?
He's the artistic director of the "California Musical Theatre" and evidently works with many, many gay and lesbian people for at least 25 years.
He also donated to Yes on 8.
Is he a bigot and should he be called out for his bigotry?
In his case, I say yes, and there is no wiggle room of ignorance. He knows exactly what he's doing.
Amazingly, in a recent attempt at an apology, he states that marriage is only for straight people and that maybe some other broken down water cooler in another room would be ok for gays.
Yes, that was a paraphrase. Here's the actual quote:
I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction. I chose to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved. I support each individual to have rights and access and I understood that in California domestic partnerships come with the same rights that come with marriage
(emphasis mine)
Really. No idea that this would be the reaction?
Did he or did he not support a resolution to strip people who are supposedly friendly co-workers of a right that HE can exercise at will?
Did he or did he not say a class of humans are not deserving of equal treatment under the law?
Is he truly surprised that those people - who he claims have less right to equal treatment than he does - might view him with some sense of betrayal?
In one sense I'm almost tempted to just say he is ignorant.
But actually, in his case, he presumably had access to all the basic facts. He was not ignorant. Stupid, maybe (really??? He is surprised at the reaction???), but not ignorant.
And because he views a group of people as less deserving of a civil right, I can only say he is - at least on this issue - a bigot. Pure and simple.
He shouldn't lose a job over this. I don't like that concept.
But he has to look long and hard at himself and accept what he has done. He can't dance around it.
Bigots can change. But first they have to realize they are bigots.