Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre Resigns After Prop. 8 Donation Revealed
Following a flurry of controversy after Broadway star Susan Egan sent out an email pointing out that Scott Eckern, donated $1,000 to the Yes on 8 Campaign, the head of the Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre resigned today. In a release he said:
“I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal. It was not my intent. 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.
My sister is a lesbian and in a committed domestic partnership relationship. I am loving and supportive of her and her family, and she is loving and supportive of me and my family. I definitely do not support any message or treatment of others that is hateful or instills fear. This is a highly emotional issue and the accusations that have been made against me are simply not true.
I have now had many conversations with friends and colleagues, and I am deeply saddened that my personal beliefs and convictions have offended others. My choice to support the Proposition was personal, and does not represent the views and opinions of California Musical Theatre or the many people associated with the organization. I was required by law to identify my employer and occupation at the time of my donation.”
“…I am disappointed that my personal convictions have cost me the opportunity to do what I love the most which is to continue enriching the Sacramento arts and theatre community.”
Earlier, Avenue Q scribe Jeff Whitty, publicly forgave Eckern.
These people act like it is just a political disagreement like balancing the budget, or a personal preference like hating broccoli. They just won’t acknowledge that these idiotic decisions they make have real and severe impacts on the lives of actual human beings. My only regret here is that he didn’t get shit-canned before resigning.
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Way to use the lesbian sister card. Ridiculous. So basically he felt his sister should not be afforded the same rights as him? Separate is not equal.
How could you not think people would feel betrayed by this donation and support?
I’m sorry, but the only reason that he’s apologizing is because he got called out.
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So, he feels it’s ok to legislate his RELIGIOUS beliefs, yet he is “supportive” of his lesbian sister and “doesn’t support any message or treatment that is hateful or instills fear in others”? Would someone please define for him the definition of inequality and bigotry?
I just don’t get it. Why can’t the religious zealots separate church from state?
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Dear Mr. Eckern, We here in Arkansas just outlawed adoption and foster kids from them queers (along with that marrage stuff). We are so proud of your donation that we would like for you to come direct our passion play. We are sure you will feel at home here. The KKK world headquarters is just a bit down the road.
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this is like a public witch hunt lynching!
yikes!
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My god, I bet the next family get-together around the dinner table is frosty!
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As a person who has been involved in all conversation on this matter in the last two days (I am an actor and a CA native), I am sorry for Mr. Eckern…to a point.
Though I do not feel that ANYONE should be punished for their voting record, I do believe that they need to be held accountable and hopefully be brave enough to stand up and admit their actions. Actions have repercussions.
But here’s my point: I believe that Mr. Eckern (Like many) had been misled by the message intentionally sent out by Yes on 8. That does not excuse his responsibility to learn about the issue before casting his vote. He is paying a high price for his careless, thought-less vote.
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Hopefully, his is only the first of very many heads that will roll over this issue.
This is only the start.
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The only way to solve this is to go back to the definition of marriage when this country was formed. That would nullify all marriages except those between a white man and white woman. Lets see how well that goes.
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AChristopher:
fuck you.
It is we who will no longer be bullied any longer by your xtian mythology.
If you want to believe in an all knowing but nothing doing sky fairy, then just go do it and shut up about it. But leave it out of my life.
asswipe.
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Just because Eckern stood up for his beliefs, you militant scrappy bunch of limp-wrists decide to axe him.
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Achristopher, you sky pixie worshippers are such hypocrites. I bet if we gays made nasty comments about your absurd beliefs in a sky pixie you would squeal “Unfair and I find that offensive” and expect everyone to be very concerned that you were upset!
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Oh, boo hoo, Eckern. You’re disappointed that your convictions “cost” you your job? How about the cost to your sister, and to millions of other Californians, resulting from Prop 8 passing — asshole. How dare this idiot portray himself as a victim?
And you know what, if his “personal convictions” led him to believe that gays and lesbians should be discriminated against, he could have simply voted yes and never would have had to tell anyone. No one forced him to actually give money as well. That takes it an important step further. It’s not just his “beliefs” at issue – it’s his active, voluntarily, financial support for discrimination.
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If you dislike the vote of the people, why dont all who disagree go move together onto some island? You cant – and wont – force your misconduct on our society.
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AChristopher – what are you doing on a gay website to begin with? Closeted much? I guess the Morning Goods sections is too good to pass by?
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People have been “dogging” God for centuries. We’re used to that. But where do you all take it upon your weak little selves to “make an example” of this man?
What is this statement from Whitty? “…my activist side is saying, “Make an example of somebody!”" (http://www.whitless.com) Who is he to make an example of anyone?
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Shocker – uneducated ring wing voter. Dom Partner benefits are not the same as those covered under marriage.
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Actually, I ran a basic Google search and found this nonsense about this poor man.
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AChistopher, nobody axed Eckern. He resigned. He couldn’t stand the heat, so he got out of the kitchen. Don’t cross the musical theater queers!
Boycotting and not giving queer money to people who supported Prop 8 is perfectly legal and a REASONABLE response to what they’ve done.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Eckern did.
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America also didn’t support lifting of poll taxes, ending segregation, giving the vote to women, etc. ad nauseum. That’s the thing about the way our country is set up: ultimately, the majority don’t get to decide the basic rights of the minority. And that is why you are eventually going to lose. Historians will look at people like you and laugh.
And if you’d really like to find out what I can do with a limp wrist, I suggest you try spouting your claptrap to my face. We’re not taking this shit anymore.
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Bigots never want to admit the nasty truth about themselves, they are only sorry once they’ve been caught.
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AChristopher needs to quit breaking that pill in half. He can take his bullshit prejudice elsewhere. The societal change that he’s railing against has already happened…
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AChristopher,
I noticed you seem pretty het-up and ready to rumble. I guess we’re not as “weak” as you would like others to believe.
If you would like to have an adult, compassionate, respectful conversation about this issue without name-calling, baiting, belittling, or biased speech I would welcome it… and respect you a LOT more.
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I love that you found your poisonous little way to this website. What do you find so interesting here, do you think? All the shirtless men? The thrilling repetition of the word “sodomy”?
Larry Craig, honey, is that you?
PS -
Note to ChristopherM: I’m sure you don’t need any help kicking this idiot’s ass, but I’d be happy to come along for the ride.
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Wayne said:
>>Bigots never want to admit the nasty truth about themselves, they are only sorry once they’ve been caught.<<
look in the mirror, b*tch!
your bigoted anti-obama posts dragged the entire WOW report blog down to your level this year.
ps did you yourself vote for pres. elect obama?
if not, please refrain from further attacks on those who voted for prop 8.
you are what’s wrong with america, w*yne.
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I’ve got a huge conversation going on over at my blog, The Clyde Fitch Report, on this subject.
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ChristopherM, why must you be so awesome all the time? It makes the rest of us look bad. Nonetheless, please continue.
Also, AChristopher, shouldn’t you be over at cruisingforsex.com looking for anonymous gay sex?
That is all.
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@AChristopher: You cretin. We’re not mad at Eckhern because he stood up for his beliefs. We’re mad at him because he’s a hypocrite–donating money that eliminates the rights of many of his coworkers and audience without realizing the impact of his decision. If your pastor/reverend/preacher/religious authority figure had donated money to “No on Prop 8″–in contrast to YOUR beliefs–I’m sure you’d be the first one to stand up in church and yell “Throw the bum out!” Thanks for helping define ‘hypocrisy’. Now get a life.
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AAsshole:
“Just because Eckern stood up for his beliefs, you militant scrappy bunch of limp-wrists decide to axe him.”
We didn’t ax him, you asshole, he resigned.
As a gym rat, and I’m sure there are plenty others here, I would personally like to show you just how “limp-wristed” I am.
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That’s what you get for being a douche.
You’d think the guy would be a bit more sympathetic given his lesbian sister. I can only imagine how much fun their phone conversations are nowadays.
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this conversation is happening on a theatre website as well. i find it more relevant here.
marriage is not a “belief”. so people need to stop saying he was acting on his political beliefs. marriage is a right.
he made a public donation. he put thought into it. $1000 is not a small sum of money.
he deserved this.
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To quote the George Raft character in “Some Like It Hot”:
Stop or I’ll bust out cryin’
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While I believe that what Mr. Eckern did was wrong. It was nevertheless his right as an american to do so.
The big picture is that one who is supposed to be educated, tolerant and accepting, was swayed by propaganda that was an outright lie. If he could be swayed, just think how many others that really do think gay marriage is ok, were persuaded to change their vote based on lies?? I suspect that at least 20% of those voted for the ban, based it upon the fear that gays would “recruit”, force it on their respective “churches”, that being gay is a “choice”and did not base it upon the truth, the equality of marriage for all.
While we can second guess the campaign to fight Prop 8, it should really be a wake up call to us. Fight fire with fire. Brand the zealots for what they are. Bigots, intolerant and LIARS!!!! Fight to get the tax exempt status of the mormon church revoked. Fight the religious organizations that donated. Challenge their tax exempt status, challenge their propaganda. Show the dirty, nasty, dark underbelly of these religious organizations that promote hate. Inform businesses that donated to it, that you are disappointed in their support of bigotry and not only will you not patronize their business, but will inform others of your decision and encourage them to do the same.
I have started a letter writing campaign to every public person who supported the ban. A paper letter, mailed via the USPS. Email are simply just not as effective. When you write cc the letter to the various News outlets.
HARD COPY LETTERS MAKE A MORE FORCEFUL IMPRESSION!!!
However you wish to do it, email or letter, just do it. Now is the time.
While my efforts by themselves are not effective, when combined with others, it gains strength.
I urge you to contact your politcians, religious leaders, churches, public figures(like Bill O’Reilly, Mike Huckabee and many others) and express your desire for EQUAL rights, and that separate but equal is not equal.
Stand up, make your voice heard, be visible, don’t stop at posting on blogs and websites. Do it in person, on the phone etc.
Show them it affected “real” people, not a faceless demographic.
Rosa Parks put a face on the issue of racial discrimination. We need to do the same.
Complacency kicked us in the ass!!!
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@Wolf:
I agree. There is only one of two solutions, here:
1) To allow gays and lesbians the right to marry, ‘re-defining’ Marriage to include ‘two people’ instead of ‘a man and a woman,’ as was the case up here in Canada.
OR, if the social and religious conservatives don’t want to ‘re-define’ marriage because of the supposed sanctity/spirituality of the institution, then:
2) To create two levels of marriages: a legal one and a religious one.
Legal marriage will be the default license that is recognized by the state and imparts full rights and responsibilities to all couples, gay or straight. Religious marriage, in turn, will be nothing more than a certificate issued by religious institutions to symbolize that spiritual blessing the conservatives believe Marriage provides. Religious marriage will have nothing to do with the legal rights and responsibilities of couples; it will be a symbolic (aka ‘useless’) add-on to make religious people happy.
Of course, because the definition of “traditional marriage” is what is at stake for the conservatives, the legal version will in all likelihood be renamed to something else — something like ‘civil union.’ This would be fine, I think, if it’s the same for EVERYONE – gay or straight.
Of course, because I like being a shit disturber and want conservatives to squirm in their chairs, I say we simply call it ‘legal’ or ‘recognized’ marriage instead. That would totally be a backhanded moved that I support!
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When the Dixie Chicks spoke out against George Bush during a concert in England George Bush’s comment was that yes there is freedom of speech and it also has its consequences. The red neck, white trash country music fans did not mind punishing the Dixie Chicks by refusing to play their recording on the radio. Fortunately they found a new, and more intelligent audience. Here in Vancouver they played to a packed arena, not exactly country musics biggest market. But the Dixie Chicks did not try to back pedal on and feed the world a line of bullshit about what they said.
So Mr. Eckern expressed his beliefs and he happens to be in an industry that is full of gays, (the country music industry is as well, they just lie about it) so he will have to pay the consequences. What goes around comes around, the world is spinning faster and faster and the universe is just.
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Awwwwwwwwww, well boo-fucking-hoo, Mr. Eckern! Using your lesbian sister for sympathy. It’s like a Klan member saying, “But some of my best friends are n****rs!” Hey, dickhead, I still remember the pain I went through being beaten up as a gay teen in the ’70s, so don’t give me your lame persecution/religious bigotry bullshit. The only bigotry being perpetrated is by you and the churches, who still think this is 1842. Oh, and can you REALLY be stupid enough to think that making an anti-gay statement in the musical theater community wouldn’t have repercussions? Can you also walk and breathe at the same time? Man, what a fucking dumbass!!!
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@AChristopher: It is so funny how the religious reich always sees itself as a victim. They perpetrate great evil upon the world and have so for centuries yet its always as if something is being done to them. Also, I think this man “resigned”. I know that being part of the right wing does not require you to be very bright but let me define the term “resign” for you, it means he is giving up his job, not being fired from it. The most mind boggling thing I find about right wingers, religious zealots and bigots is just what simpletons they are. But as pointed out in one of the presidential debates, America, despite all the money that it spends on education, ends up with one of the most uneducated populations in the world. That is probably the main reason that California voted in favor of the ban as its very difficult to have an enlightened society when most of your population is dumber than a box of rocks.
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Personal ? How so ? Is proposition 8 going to force him to marry a man ? I don’t think so. His sister is gay and he donated his money to a proposition that would have made it impossible for her to get married ? He’s even worse than I thought.
Jeff Whitty may have forgiven him, but I haven’t. He should have known better. And, sorry, but if you are against gay marriage, you’re homophobic. It’s as simple as that.
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This is a great example of what the Mormon church has set up with its members. Donate when we ask, don’t think about it, just do it. This guy and others oughtta be thinking about it now, and I feel sorry for him.
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@Wolf: Again you are nailing it, Wolf. We should do it they way they do in France (gasp) and elsewhere: you can choose to get married in a church but first you must be united civilly at La Salle de Ville. Or wherever. Now that’d be changing the definition of marriage!
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@RichardR:
That’s also the way they do it in Chile, if it’s of any significance to you guys. ALL (straight) couples have two wedding anniversaries a year: one for the day they got married civilly, and one for the day they got married through the church. The civil one comes first, of course, since you MUST be legally married before going forward with any religious ceremony.
It’s not that far-fetched a concept, I must say. And, needless to say, it seems to be the most effective way of separating Church and State when it comes to marriage licenses. Makes sense to me!
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This already IS how marriage works in the States. Churches do not grant marriage licenses. You go to the courthouse in your county and ask for a license. After that, you can get married wherever you want – a church, a park, your backyard, or whatever. That’s why there shouldn’t be an argument – the government grants marriage certificates and they should not be discriminating against who they grant them to.
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Farrah is right. You ladies should’nt get so upset. :)
After all, I’m just a high school kid wasting time during class. Go San Ramon Grizzlies!
Sleep well.
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Well, all I can say is that I hope people are a bit nicer to you than you have been here after you grow up and come out.
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I’m confused… Didn’t the conservatives think that people against gay marriage would lose their jobs if Prop 8 WEREN’T passed?
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I’m surprised no one states the obvious..my gaydar is ringing off the hook over this closet case proving to people how straight he is by voting yes…
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@alan brickman: Mel Gibson is a hopeless drunk and mental case born of a long line of drunks and mental cases. We don’t need to point that out to anybody.
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I don’t think that he should resign from the damn theatre. I mean, what the hell guys? Yeah, its true that he sees this from a different perspective that we as a People can’t really afford in this day. But, it’s not like he’s a hate-mongerer or some bastard who simply has no investment in the decision. He has a sister who’s a lesbian and a really, really gay job. I mean, shit– what about that bullshit on tolerance? If what we are preaching is right and inevitable — we should move along, but butt-fucking this guy, who already procured a debt with his family, and taking his job is royally fucked. Poor guy.
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@Rick:
Tolerance? So we’re supposed to tolerate people who fund anti-gay legislation? Sorry, no. I’m through tolerating. No social movement ever got anywhere just asking to be tolerated. I want my full rights, and if you donate money to take them away, expect to be called out for it.
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@Rick:
Taking his job? Dude. He resigned.
As for that stuff about tolerance, I tolerate him just enough to shed one crocodile tear for his pain. That’s, of course, because I sympathize more with those like his own sister who might have wanted to enjoy life as a married couple. Even if they didn’t, there are lots of other couples who at least wanted that chance. Now, that’s been ripped away from them + this guy not only voted to make it happen, but donated funds to ensure that it did as well.
No sympathy, whatsoever.
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“I chose to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved.”
He continued by saying, “And by ‘traditional,’ I mean the definition that Utah adopted in order to gain statehood.” (Dang that federal government and it’s one-wife-per-man rule!)
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He did not merely VOTE for the proposition, he donated $1,000. That’s a lot of money for most people and especially for a working theater artist. A casual $25 contribution is one thing. $1,000 requires a major sacrifice and is not done casually.
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I know it’s a bit late to join the festival but I can’t help but ask the obvious of Mr. Eckern:
“I am deeply saddened my convictions…have offended others….”
“(re: hurt feelings & betrayal) It was not my intent… I had no idea…”
So, in all seriousness Mr. Eckern, what did you think people would feel or think when you give money to keep them unequal, unprotected, uninsured?
Why did he even bother to craft a statement. The only acceptable one would be “upon further reflection, I can see I was a jerk and was inconsiderate of others. I now wish all people to have the same rights and privileges I myself enjoy and wish I could retract my vote and support of proposal 8.”
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I have no sympathy for Mr. Eckern. He made a choice and must live with the consequences. He can’t undo what he’s done. Fortunately, it’s possible for US; the gay community, to undo the outcome. I have a great deal of faith that the State Supreme Court will once again rule in our favor. Discrimination has no place in our constitution. I do, however, have some sympathy for some of the other Mormon families who, like Mr. Eckern, felt compelled by their church to make donations to the passing of Prop 8. In their bigotry and homophobia, the church compelled families to close out savings accounts, close college funds for their children, take out 2nd and 3rd mortgages in order to donate to Yes on 8. What happens to a person’s faith when they are bankrupt and left with nothing because the church told them to give up everything? I’d love to see a massive backlash against the Mormon religion. And I’d really love to hear the collective gnashing of teeth when Prop 8 is overturned.
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…A 1,000?
I must have not seen that part. Ha, Okay — fine, I’m wrong in thinking that I previously did. Making an opinion on a ballot is one thing, funding a position and outwardly putting your views out there, erstwhile trying to convince others that your opinion is right is worthy of all the crap you’re due. Heck, a 1,000 dollars, for me, is paying a month worth of bills and food. He must’ve been pretty certain that his perspective was completely the right one — and I can imagine gay or gay-friendly thespians might be a little inclined to frequent his venue that much less.
Sorry about my previous post. :-\
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@jaroslaw: you asked “Why did he even bother to craft a statement.”
The answer is because he is feeling sorry for himself and looking for sympathy. Obviously, he did not give a rat’s patootie about his lesbian sister…or anyone else, for that matter.
Fuck him and the white steed he rode in on. He deserves to be strippd naked and flogged in the village square.
Yeah, I know. That sounds a little kinky. But what the heck. He got his rocks off taking civil-rights away from his sister and the GLBT community.
Shouldn’t we be entitled to a little sexual gratification too? ;-)
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i am a straight fourteen year old teenager yet i still have a better conception of this proposition than Achristopher he is a serious dumbass in the face that he is supporting someone who thinks that it is ok to create such a blunt betrayal on his own kin with him i guess blood isnt thicker than water id bet a pretty penny that thanksgiving dinner is going to be a little awkward
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Dear Jovani,
Your age is showing.
Please use some punctuation next time.
Many thanks,
- Smokey
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No problem.
Although, I must say: punctuation should NEVER be ‘advice’ for a fourteen-year-old. It should already be second-nature.
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True in some cases but you would have to think through a modern day 14 year olds life and the main reason is of course Myspace. So when I am on the computer I never usually hit the shift key.
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…hmmm, and how’s it feel? LGBT in over 30 states in America CAN BE Fired for being LGBT…what goes around,comes around..Karmas a Bitch dude…Im sure some Right Wing theatre has religious shows you can Produce…and BTW – hows your sister liking YOUR CHOICE to donate against her Rights? Because Im sure she didn’t know until ALL this came out!