The Roundup: Politicians on Both Sides Speak Out Against Proposition 8

News coverage tomorrow is likely to show a very partisan divide on Proposition 8, what with 70,000 people expected to gather in Qualcomm Stadium this weekend to pray for the passage of Prop 8, and the election of conservative candidates. But people on all sides of the political aisle have come out against Proposition 8, and its harmful effects on LGBT people, children, and families. Below is a roundup of some of the best political quotes on Proposition 8, from Democrats and Republicans. Marriage equality, as these quotes demonstrate, should not be a partisan issue.

But first: FINALLY. Sen. Barack Obama has issued a statement urging voters to defeat Proposition 8. The Yes on 8 side has tried to manipulate the Obama/Biden position on Prop 8. Both candidates are now adamantly opposed to Prop 8, and the fact that the Yes on 8 campaign would try to say otherwise shows just how desperate they really are. An excerpt from Sen. Obama’s statement:

As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law...And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.  For too long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us.  It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all of our citizens with dignity and respect.  This is no less than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as Americans."

To the bipartisan roundup!  Two Republicans below, and the rest of the Republicans and Democrats after the jump::

Mayor Jerry Sanders (Republican Mayor of San Diego, supporter of John McCain): “The concept of a separate-but-equal institution…I am unwilling to send the message to anyone that “they were less important, less worthy or less deserving of the rights and responsibilities of marriage. In the end, I couldn't look any of them in the face and tell them that their relationships, their very lives, were any less meaningful than the marriage I share with my wife, Rana.”

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican Governor of California, supporter of John McCain): “I think the Supreme Court made a decision there. It was apparently unconstitutional to stop anyone from getting married. It’s like 1948, the interracial marriage, when the Supreme Court of California decided it was unconstitutional and then later on the Supreme Court of the United States followed. So I think it is good that California is leading in this way. There are so many other more important issues that we have to address in California. So I think to spend any time on this initiative is a waste of time.”

Sheriff Lee Baca (Republican Sheriff of Los Angeles California, supporter of John McCain): “The gay men and lesbian women of the law enforcement community are some of the most responsible and virtuous people I know. To deny them their ability to further responsible lives outside of the job is inconsistent with the core values of public service.”

Former Congressman Tom Campbell (Republican Former U.S. Representative from California, Candidate for GOP Governor of California, 2010): “Republicans believe deeply that government should be limited. Government has no business making distinctions between people based on their personal lives. That’s why, as a Californian and a Republican who has held elective office at the federal and state levels, I will be voting No on Proposition 8.”

Ward Connerly (Republican Former Member of the University of California Board of Regents and Supporter of John McCain): “For anyone to say that this is an issue for people who are gay and that this isn’t about civil rights is sadly mistaken. If you really believe in freedom and limited government, to be intellectually consistent and honest you have to oppose efforts of the majority to impose their will on people.” (It should be noted that Connerly, who is black, moved to California nearly 50 years ago because at the time it was the only state in the Union that would allow him to marry his wife, who is white. He had an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee yesterday, opposing Proposition 8 and calling it discriminatory.)

Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democratic Senator of California, Supporter of Barack Obama): “In my lifetime, I've seen discrimination, and I see it again in Proposition 8. 8 would be a terrible mistake for California. It changes our constitution, eliminates fundamental rights, and treats people differently under the law. Proposition 8 is not about schools or kids -- it's about discrimination, and we must always say no to that. No matter how you feel about marriage, vote against discrimination, and vote NO on 8.”

Senator Barbara Boxer (Democratic Senator of California, Supporter of Barack Obama): “Prop 8 is a statewide ballot initiative that would put discrimination against same-sex couples into the California State Constitution. It is unfair, unnecessary, and wrong…Prop 8 will eliminate rights. Those are the facts. But that's not what you'll see on TV from the supporters of Prop 8. The Yes on 8 campaign is spending tens of millions of dollars to distort the facts and hide the true purpose of this divisive initiative. The supporters of Prop 8 are making outlandish claims about what will happen if Prop 8 fails to pass. These are just distortions to distract voters from the fact that Prop 8 singles out a group of Californians for unfair treatment.”

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (Democratic Mayor of Los Angeles, Supporter of Barack Obama): “The Prop 8 campaign has knowingly targeted the Latino community with shameful and deceitful advertising. Proposition 8 is about discrimination, not education. It’s disgraceful to use children to try to take away people’s civil rights. Proposition 8 attacks all California families, including our Latino families. I am confident that once our community understands the discrimination behind Prop 8 they will join me and vote No.”

Kevin Johnson (Candidate for Mayor, Sacramento, and former NBA All-Star Basketball player): “I oppose Prop 8, which would ban marriage equality. As an African American man, I know about discrimination. As Mayor, I will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind…I will be relentless as I fight to defend the rights of all residents.” (Johnson has switched his position on this issue. Previously in the campaign he was for defining marriage as one man, one woman. He has since reversed course, telling a rally last week that passing proposition 8 “would be a stain on [California’s] constitution and a stain on [Californian voters’] consciences.”)

Representative Nancy Pelosi (Democratic Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Supporter of Barack Obama): “[Proposition 8] is a measure that would diminish freedom. It's mean-spirited in my view... it is discriminatory, unfair and it must be defeated…This isn’t about gay marriage. It’s about discrimination, it’s about fairness and it’s about the constitution.”