In light of Newport Beach City Councilman, Scott Peotter’s recent comments to his subscribers, we have
crafted the following talking points to help you discuss the matter in productive way.
- Not only is it disturbing that an elected city official would give voice to such homophobic
beliefs, but that his statement appears under the seal of the City of Newport Beach is even
more disturbing.
- Peotter’s communication acknowledge 5 of 9 “guys” who made this decision – despite the fact that
there are three sitting justices who are women – all of whom voted in favor of marriage equality.
- He thinks the Supreme Court overturned “5,000 years of Judeo – Christian tradition”, when in fact
they solidified the constitutional right of LGBTQ people to marry. SCOTUS does not have the authority
to force Judeo-Christian institutions to preform marriages for LGBTQ people. Religious institutions are
deciding to do this or not of their own free will.
- It is unfortunate he feels that equal rights are unimportant.
- It is inexcusable that he thinks that by adopting the rainbow, the LGBTQ movement is hoping to avoid
God’s apocalyptic wrath. It sounds like a thinly-veiled threat.
- The City of Newport Beach issued a statement distancing themselves from Mr. Peotter’s remarks, but
fell short of condemning them.
- The Council Member has every right to his opinion, and we honor that right. That said, he can’t wrap
himself in the 1st Amendment and expect us not to use our own First Amendment rights to condemn
his bigotry. This isn’t about enforcing a code of correctness, it’s about calling out a public official for a
bigoted statement he made. Our mission is to protect our community.
- We acknowledge our opposition. We exist because of it. Until a matter of [12] days ago, Scott Peotter
had significantly more rights than the LGBTQ community. We are delighted this has been corrected
nationally. Mr. Peotter should be grateful he has no such grievance.
- “A Tale of Two Cities” – This is in stark contrast to the pride flag flying for the first time at Santa Ana
City Hall and the proclamation bestowed upon the LGBTQ Center OC last night by the Mayor and City
Council of Santa Ana.
Call to Action
Call or e-mail Scott Peotter’s office to voice your displeasure: (949) 250-7118
Leave a message for the mayor and councilmembers: (949) 644-3004
Call or e-mail the office of the City Manager (David Kiff) to ask they condemn Peotter’s remarks: (949) 644-3001
Call or e-mail the Mayor and City Council members of Santa Ana to say THANK YOU for celebrating this tremendous
LGBTQ victory: (714) 647-6900