Miss California USA. may have been tossed into the scuffle over same-sex marriage, but she has become a willing warrior in the fight.
Carrie Prejean – who gave a now-famous response to a question about gay marriage at the recent Miss USA pageant – is featured in a new advertisement from the National Organization for Marriage, which says its mission is “to protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it.”
The advertisement, which accuses same-sex marriage backers of trying to silence opponents like Ms. Prejean, is the latest step into advocacy for the 21-year old Miss California. Ms. Prejean told NBC’s “Today” show on Thursday morning that she does not regret becoming involved in the back-and-forth.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes … to protect marriage,” said Ms. Prejean, who started giving interviews to the news media shortly after the Miss USA pageant. “It’s something that is very dear to my heart.”
Supporters of gay marriage immediately hit back at the advertisement, while officials affiliated with the state’s pageant said they were disappointed with Ms. Prejean.
The president of the Human Rights Campaign, Joe Solmonese – who is seen calling gay marriage opponents bigots in the advertisement – retorted in a statement that the National Organization for Marriage’s “relationship with the truth could use some help.”
“As far as my cameo, I appreciate them emphasizing my point that when debating the merits of this issue they only have lies on which to rely,” Mr. Solmonese said.
In a statement, Miss California USA pageant officials said “in the entire history of Miss U.S.A., no reigning title holder has so readily committed her face and voice to a more divisive or polarizing issue.”
We applaud Ms. Prejean for taking such a courageous position and standing for what is right and decent. We need more people like her willing to stick their neck out for traditional marriage.
Way to go, Carrie!
