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Sun. November 16, 2008 9:59:54 AM
Cinemark CEO Alan Stock contributes $10,000 against same-sex marriage
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Chicago, IL — Outrage over the passage of Proposition 8 in California spurred protest rallies in small communities and major cities Saturday, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, where gay-rights advocates targeted local businesses and individuals that contributed to the "Yes on 8" campaign with rally speakers calling for boycotts.
During the Chicago rally in Federal Plaza Saturday, Cinemark-owned Century Theatre in Evanston, IL became a lightning rod in the local debate over gay rights. Turns out Alan Stock, CEO of movie chain Cinemark donated almost $10,000 to Yes on 8.
The 47-year-old Stock, who lives in Utah, is CEO of Cinemark which is one of the largest theater chains in the country.
Earlier this week, John Aravosis, editor of political blog Americablog, posted a story calling for the boycott of the gay-friendly Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah noting that Sundance uses Cinemark-owned Holiday Village Cinema as one of its biggest screening venues.
"Your Sundance registration money is quite literally helping to subsidize a donation to Yes on 8," said Aravosis.
Gay-rights advocates say boycotts work. In Sacramento, theater director Scott Eckern resigned from the California Musical Theatre when his donation to Yes on 8 was revealed.
Chicago's Gay Liberation Network is calling for a boycott of Century Theatre, 1715 Maple Street in Evanston, and plans a protest on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. (Event Details)
"Don't support haters with your money," read a flyer circulated about Century Theatre during yesterday's rally.
A national organizer is also planning boycotts of the Cinemark-owned and operated Century, CinéArts and Tinseltown theater chains.
Thousands gather in Chicago to protest Proposition 8
Related Photos:
Protest Gallery One | Protest Gallery Two by Jay Shaff
Protest Gallery Three by Kevin Wayne
Related Blog:
Feast of Fools at the Protest (Includes Photos)
Related Link:
Gay Liberation Network
Californians Against Hate
COMMENTS
Joseph on Monday, 11/17/2008
A week ago, the Century/CineArts in Evanston was my favorite theater, and my partner and I usually saw a movie there once a week. But after learning oabout the CEO contributing $9,999 to support Propostion 8, I will never again spend a penny of my money there. In fact, I will be at the protest Saturday. Shame on Century Landmark, for choosing to continue employing a CEO whose actions directly conflict with the company's equality policies.
feastoffools on Tuesday, 11/18/2008
We'll be there! I set up a facebook event for it too. Spread the word!
Cheryl on Tuesday, 11/18/2008
This is the email I sent:
I've long enjoyed seeing films at the Evanston CineArts 6 theater, but I can not in good conscience continue to spend money at a company where a vp sends out emails like this one:
"We received your correspondence regarding your concerns about the Proposition 8 vote in California. Please know that Cinemark made no financial contribution to either side on this issue. The company does not take a formal position on political issues that do not directly affect our business. It would be inappropriate to influence our employees' position on personal issues outside the work environment, especially on political, social or religious activities. Cinemark is dedicated to providing high quality entertainment for all of our customers.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, creed, religion or sexual preference. We appreciate the importance of this matter to you. We hope that you equally appreciate that any individual act or contribution is just that, individual acts of personal expression and do not reflect company positions or policy."
If you don't understand what is wrong with this, it's the phrase sexual preference. This implies the official opinion of the company is that people choose to be homosexual. I don't remember choosing heterosexuality, and I know my gay friends do not choose to be gay. To imply otherwise is foolish and make me want to not contribute to your bottom line. So I won't be going to your theater any time in the near future. If you change your mind you can signal that by making a contribution to an organization that is striving to overturn the odious Prop 8 in California. Don't be concerned about following up with me personally, I am sure to see the press announcement.
CPBill on Thursday, 11/20/2008
An executive of Century Theatre donated 10K to help BAN gay marriages in California; let’s not let him get away with it!
We will meet this Saturday, November 22nd, outside Century Theatre in Evanston IL at 5pm. The louder our voices are the better chance we have of getting what we want!!!
FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
feastoffools on Saturday, 11/22/2008
As Harvey Milk said "Don't Blend In!"
If you can come dressed as your favorite movie star or movie character, the protest would be much more memorable.
I'd love to see Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Keystone Cops, Hulk, Spiderman, Brokeback mountain cowboys, Carrie, Jason, Harry Potter, or Santa Claus.
Let's take the studio system and turn it right back on them.
You can't put down a well dressed town!
Chris on Sunday, 11/16/2008
I will never go to Century Theatre again. I'll find an alternative theatre and no longer fund hate.