Entrepreneur Vows to Match $500K Worth of No on 8 Contributions

Gay Ohio entrepreneur and political activist Jonathan Lewis issued a challenge of sorts to Los Angeles's entertainment industry Tuesday -- raise $500,000 for No on Prop. 8, and he and his family will match the contributions dollar for dollar. Sources close to the Lewis family say Jonathan became particularly interested in California’s Proposition 8 after Brad Pitt’s $100,000 contribution.

If passed, Prop. 8 would rescind marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples in California. The constitutional amendment would override the state supreme court’s landmark May 15 ruling deeming California’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

"With Election Day five weeks away, we are concerned that the entertainment industry hasn't stepped up to the plate to fight this unnecessary initiative,” Lewis said in a statement. “We are pleased to see the leadership of Brad Pitt and Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg. Now it's time for the entertainment industry as a whole to take the lead.

"My family and I are issuing a $500,000 challenge to the entertainment industry. We will match the next half-million dollars that entertainment industry leaders contribute. This is an urgent time in the campaign, and we have to act now."

Lewis added that the match also applies to any contributions made to the fight against Florida’s similar Proposition 2.

As of Tuesday, fund-raising efforts for Yes on 8 appear to be $5 million ahead of contributions to No on 8. (The Advocate)

Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter. Page 1 of 1

READ COMMENTS (3) MORE \ EMAIL PRINT

RECOMMEND

Reader Comments

Back to top
Name: Fred Cook
Date posted: 10/27/2008 2:28:00 PM
Hometown: Manteca, CA

Comment:
I am astounded by the anti- prop, 8 continued pounding at the "fairness" issue. The last time I checked, fairness extends the some rights and laws to all. All that the Prop. 8 proponents want is to reestablish for all citizens the right to choose a member of the opposite sex and, as long as they fulfill all other legal requirement such as age, they are free to marry that individual. What could be more fair???
Back to top
Name: Stephen
Date posted: 10/1/2008 9:57:00 AM
Hometown: Cambridge

Comment:
Thank god for Jonathan Lewis, David Bohnett, Tim Gill and David Geffen. Where the hell are the gay Hollywood members? I'm delighted Ellen is blogging, but if she would just donate the money she made by selling her wedding photos, NO on 8 would be much further along.
Back to top
Name: Keith
Date posted: 9/30/2008 11:33:00 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
The Hollywood entertainment community, especially the key Gay celebrities, should be ASHAMED of themselves for not stepping up to the plate and making a sizeable donation at this crucial time when there are only a few weeks left before the vote. California will begin being inundated with LIES from the Yes on 8 Campaign. They must be countered with the truth. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

PREVIOUS 1 NEXT

More Online Only

Film Teen Spirit

While Native American cultures have long honored people of integrated genders, a new documentary looks at a shocking hate crime against a two-gendered Colorado teenager.

Politicians L.A. Confidential

What's it like to be 33, gay, and one of the most powerful people in America's second-largest city? Stressful, says Matt Szabo, the new deputy chief of staff to Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Commentary Love Bites for Twilight's Gay Fans

Gay fanpires are sure to flock to New Moon, but with questions lingering about author Stephanie Meyer and the cash she gives to the Mormon Church, Mike Albo wonders if we'd be better off tying a clove of garlic around our necks.

Youth Church Opens Doors for Homeless Gay Teens

A church-turned-shelter for homeless youth in Queens, New York is a far cry from sleeping on the streets after a $200,000 renovation and a partnership with the Ali Forney Center for LGBT youth.

Music France's Latest Export

He's opened for Britney and Katy Perry, kept Dita Von Teese company in the front row at Paris Fashion Week, and gets name-checked on Twitter by Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Sarah Silverman. So who the hell is Sliimy, anyway?

Prevention New Breast Health Rules Leave Out Lesbians

Now that new government guidelines are out on how to best care for your breasts, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender women are left with a lot of questions.

Marriage Equality Triumph in the Tar Heel State

The loss of marriage equality in Maine was a major blow on Election Night, but down the coast in North Carolina there was an LGBT victory. Pam Spaulding talks to Chapel Hill's mayor-elect, Mark Kleinschmidt.

Theater Puppet Masters

When performance-art drag diva Joey Arias combines forces with master puppeteer Basil Twist, anything — no, seriously, anything — can happen.

News Softball With Oprah and Palin

Dave White recaps as Oprah plays nice with Palin in her exclusive, personality-rehabbing interview. Topics include Katie Couric ("badgering"), Levi Johnston ("Ricky Hollywood"), and step class ("gee, it's fun").

News View From Washington: Frank Tells

This week Congressman Barney Frank laid out a plan and a timetable for repealing "don't ask, don't tell..." and a reminder that he's been saying it would happen in 2010 from the beginning.

News Features Where's Mitrice?

Mitrice Richardson is a 4.0 student, a former beauty pageant contestant, and a lesbian. She’s also been missing since September, and her family and girlfriend want answers.

Theater Seat Filler

The Advocate’s queen on the New York theater scene meets bisexual conjoined twins, pits Sienna Miller against Jude Law, tastes Cheyenne Jackson’s Rainbow, and saves up for a rainy day with Hugh Jackman.

Art Fairey Good

Controversial artist Shepard Fairey spends his creative capital to bring marriage equality back to California.

Books Hot Sheet: Brüno, Ms. Jackson, and 2012

We'll let you decide whether 2012 is spectacular, Armageddon-tinged eye candy or a hot mess. Plus: A new take on gay romance with Dare.

Television Driving Miss Wanda

Love her or loathe her, drag queen Porsche sidekicks The Wanda Sykes Show into shape.

Film Crazy Like a Fox

Hipster actor Jason Schwartzman gets schooled on his gay fans and the Hollywood closet and reveals why he’s never played a gay role.

Television Viki Victorious?

Soap icon and six-time Emmy Award winner Erika Slezak talks about the trials and tribulation of playing Victoria Lord and her run for mayor, gay rights, and the sudden death that rocks Llanview.

Commentary Called to Serve

The military continues to operate under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which even the Pentagon says is unsubstantiated. As General McChrystal asks for more troops in Afghanistan, one gay Navy vet offers his service to his country in spite of the policy that would deny him.

News Features Marriage Foe Tied to Pro-Gay Companies
Ford Motor Co. and Reynolds American, two companies that receive consistently high marks from the HRC, have ties with Schubert Flint Public Affairs, the firm that was instrumental in defeating marriage equality in California and Maine.

News Features A Few Good Men

In honor of Veteran's Day, two of the most famous gay vets -- Frank Kameny and Dan Choi -- share their letters from Uncle Sam.