Actors Union Against Prop 8

29-Oct-2008
Written by: Jessica McCumber

A committee officially gives support against the ban of same-sex marriage.

With a very short time left to do so, the Screen Actors Guild officially says no to the California proposition banning same sex marriage, reports the Associated Press.

On Tuesday, after much criticism for a perceived lack of support against the proposition, a committee finally voted to oppose Proposition 8.

According to SAG chairwoman Anne-Marie Johnson, "No actor should have to disclose his or her sexual preference in order to get health and retirement benefits."

According to Johnson, their support is to insure an atmosphere of anti-discrimination and to provide same-sex couples with the same access to benefits as straight couples.

"Being legally married means everyone is treated the same. It's important that we take a stand to protect all actors from discriminatory hiring practices and provide same-sex couples access to benefits."

Reportedly, the union got a lot of flack from the gay community because although SAG doesn’t endorse political candidates, they have been known to be politically active when it comes to ballot initiatives.

The Associated Press also reports that among SAG members showing their support financially against Prop 8 is Two and a half Men star Jon Cryer, Bones actor Emily Deschanel, comedian Wanda Sykes and In Plain Sight’s Mary McCormack.

Although the money contributed by celebrities may be helpful, in the end, voters will be making the decision on whether or not same-sex couples will keep the option to marry come Election Day.