Miss California to star in TV ad from conservative group
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/29/art.youtube.gi.jpg caption="The group's last ad, 'A Gathering Storm,' came out earlier this month."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - Carrie Prejean, the Miss USA contestant from California who famously declared her opposition to same sex marriage on the pageant stage, will star in a new $1.5 million ad campaign funded by the National Organization for Marriage.
Prejean was roasted by same-sex marriage advocates after she stood up for what she called "opposite marriage" (marriage between a man and a woman) when responding to a question from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton during the pageant. But she's also become a fresh-faced standard-bearer for the same-sex marriage opponents, who have rallied to her defense.
The National Organziation for Marriage has scheduled a press conference with Prejean in Washington on Thursday to unveil the new ad, called "No Offense."
"She is attacked viciously for having the courage to speak up for her truth and her values," the group said in a press release. "But Carrie's courage inspired a whole nation and a whole generation of young people because she chose to risk the Miss USA crown rather than be silent about her deepest moral values."
According to the group, the ad will call "gay marriage advocates to account for their unwillingness to debate the real issue: gay marriage has consequences."
The Miss California TV ad is the group's second. Their first, called "A Gathering Storm," ran in several states earlier and featured actors issuing ominous warnings about the threats posed by same-sex marriage.
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An interesting question – did she suffer a greater back-lash from the same-sex supporters than she would have from the "opposite marriage" supporters had she supported the former? What happened to freedom of speech in our country; especially when it comes to feelings that some may consider "politically incorrect" or "culturally insensitive"? The young lady stands by what she believes in – good for her. What's really interesting is that there are those who will bash me for saying that, without knowing my personal feelings about same-sex marriage; only that I support her freedom to say what she believes. Ignorance is alive and well in the United States.
Thank God straight marraige has absolutely no consequences! Nope. Not a one. None whatsover.
Get a clue Carrie Prejean.
3 cheers for you, Miss California!
What a stupid turn of events. Normally I enjoy Perez's rants but his this last time was out of bounds. I love my gay friends and wish they the same rights as all the other people in this country but I agree that Miss Cali was only stating her opinion which was what she was being asked to do. So to all those that ganged up on her... give it a rest. Why don't we try working and talking to people instead of alienating them. Good job making our side look like jerks Perez! Thanks a bunch.
... and to all those out there opposed to gay rights... well I think your wrong but I'll keep my discussions person to person and convince you one at a time that tradition and old morals are no reasons for keeping one set of people down.
Mason
I respect anyones personal views, however when Miss Prejean becomes a spokesperson for a particular group – then her right to privacy and personal respect is cast aside.
In America – all taxpayers should be treated equally.
I see no threat to my marriage because 2 people of the same sex want to be married. And the Church??? Well when they start paying taxes then I'll listen to what they have to say.
Carrie merely stated her own personal opinion, which I believe is what she was asked to do. You may not agree with it, but please don't attack her as a person for what she was taught to value. I wish that we could all discuss our personal views without taking offense every time someone doesn't share it. Especially when they disagree in a respectful manner, as Carrie did.
Interesting that the National Organization for Marriage commends Miss Prejean for "her truth and her values." By definition, TRUTH is universal, and does not change for individuals. Therefore, perhaps Miss Prejean's truth and her values are incongruous. Secondly, what are the consequences of gay marriage?
The issue of gay marriage comes down to whether one accepts that homosexuality is a natural part of human life. If one does there is no reason why gay marriage is unreasonable. If one can't accept the dignity and legitimacy of homosexual people, then (and without logic) it's easy to stand in the way.
"the real issue: gay marriage has consequences."
Actually, it doesn't affect you AT ALL...the right-wing hate mongers, now THEY are the ones that really affect us....
Quick.... Name as many Miss Americas, with the exception of Vanessa Williams as you can...... yep, that's exactly how important that title is......
Hold your head high Carrie. We are all proud of you!!
Ahhhhh another Joe the Plumber
The "gathering storm" ad was a hoot! Thanks! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. But seriously, there is nothing to be admired in Prejean's "values or truths." She is simply another air head bigot. She refers to heterosexuals who marry as "opposite marriage." What the he** does that mean? And by the way, there are "consequences" to all marriages, half which end in divorce. I wish someone could come up with a LOGICAL reason for denying gay men and women the federal rights afforded by marriage. Or do you simply "choose' not to see both sides of the issue. "Threats posed by same-sex marriage" Please... there are more threats posed by the Catholic church.
just proves that she wasn't fit to be Ms.America...that title goes to a women that represents ALL AMERICANS,not just a few with narrow views on reality....
The "Gathering Storm" ad I saw held absolutely no information "about the threats posed by same-sex marriage." Just a lot of people who don't like the idea standing in front of an "ominous" background. I just don't understand why this is such an issue when there are plenty of things that are legal but are unacceptable in religion. When are they going make it illegal to "covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave" (Exodus 20:2–17)?
Bigotry is not a "value"
What a sad day for the U.S. The whole world let out a sigh of relief when President Obama was elected. After years of being governed by President Bush, the U.S. finally made a huge step forward however with this ad campaign it's all undone. The legalization of same-sex marriage is long overdue. Miss California should not use her crown to promote a belief that empedes the granting of the right to same-sex marriage. Would you crown someone who didn't want world peace?
the latest in a long line of the absolute nothingness the GOP has to offer. no wonder they're wandering aimlessly.
and make no mistake - Karl Rove is still giving the party its talking points and marching orders.
This is such a waste of money. No one cares what this young lady has to say. While I do not believe in same-sex marriage, who is to say this lady would have won in any case.
"...... unwillingness to debate the real issue: gay marriage has consequences."
What consequences? That bigots who give foolish answers (paraphrase: freedom of choice is great, what a wonderful country, but YOU don't get to choose) lose pageants?
Isn't that like saying the consequence of racial equality is that racists get marginalized? Or sexual harassment laws have been tough on misogynists in the workplace?
I am also glad that a young individual is willing to speak her mind publicly on an issue that has, interestingly enough to me, become so controversial. Convictions should always be respected on both sides of an issue–and when a contrary opinion is expressed, it should not automatically be called hate-speech or, in this case, homophobic.
Good for her!~ I am glad she is not being bullied by the liberals. Stand up for what you believe in.
These groups have no legal basis for their position, and they are unable to debate the legal consequences of their actions. The Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virgina that marriage is a "fundamental civil right". They cited that the Constitution forbids states from making laws that take rights away from citizens. Bans on gay marriage clearly violate the Constitution. Our laws aren't based on the Bible, they are based on the Constitution.
Just as everyone is entitled to their own beliefs ~ Those for same sex mariages & those who are not ~ Miss Prejean is & was entitled to speak up for her personal beliefs when asked a personal direct question ~ Because she did not answer what Mr Perez deemed "his" personal befiefs ~ Miss Prejean was unfairly ridiculed & blasted inappropriately by Mr. Perez ~ I was raised & believe as Miss Prejean does ~ It is a personal choice ~ That does not mean I would look "down" on those who do not share my beliefs ~ Shame on Mr. Perez & those who would unjustly judge those who are for or against ~same sex marriages ~ Respectfully ~ Sharon Robison ~ California
"slams gay marriage"? How does CNN know if the ad hasn't even been made yet. Yes it is going to be opposed to it but why does opposition have to be slamming. Like Mr. Cafferty's article yesterday, we can't have a dialogue on these issues. It has to be hate and division.
wow.. i thought these "contestants" were just pretty, empty vessels. i'm glad to see one going out on a limb to personally spill their ignorance.. now THAT's entertaining!