Benavides Hatergate: Councilman panders to gay community while allied with anti-gay activists

Federal Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker’s ruling that Proposition 8 which banned same sex marriage is unconstitutional was truly grounds for celebration. Such a celebration took place right here in Santa Ana’s Sasscer Park with roughly 200 people in attendance. One of those in the crowd was Santa Ana City Councilman David Benavides. I suspect that this might be a good move for an elected official in an election year, so good for him to show up.

This public show of support is in direct contrast with some of his recent actions and the beliefs of some of those on his campaign donor list. Benavides recently honored two of the LGBT community’s biggest enemies, Lupe Moreno and Rosie Avila, with a certificate of recognition. During his first camapign for city council one of his donors was none other than gay marriage foe Howard Ahmanson.

Benavides honorees and gay bashers Avila (right) and Moreno (left)

Let me remind those praising Benavides now that Moreno believes that “homosexuals have been taken over by evil spirits and that body piercing can turn people gay”.

Avila, another Benavides honoree and fellow Biola alumnist, was a staunch Prop 8 supporter from the outset. Avila said, “Prop. 8 protects our children from being taught in public schools that ‘same-sex marriage’ is the same as traditional marriage. We should not accept a court decision that results in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay.”

Ahmanson not only donated to Benavides campaign but he also donated nearly $1,000,000 to the Yes on 8 campaign back in 2008. Ahmanson, who views homosexuality as a condition like alcoholism and drug addiction, gives exclusively to religious right causes and candidates. Why did he give money to Benavides? Hmmm????

The fact that these bloggers would be willing to simply overlook and dismiss this is not all that surprising. After all they maintain quite a coozy relationship with Matt “Jerbal” Cunningham and his wife Laura, the Hispanic outreach coordinator for the Yes on 8 campaign.

The self-proclaimed liberal voices of the blogosphere are making much ado about Benavides attendance and are taking swipes at longtime supporters of the LGBT community Sal Tinajero and Claudia Alvarez. The event was an Orange County event and not just a Santa Ana event. If they are going to question where Tinajero and Alvarez were then why aren’t they asking the same questions of their heroes Larry Agran and Beth Krom?

Support goes a lot farther than showing up to just one rally. Tinajero was the driving force behind the City of Santa Ana’s support for Harvey Milk Day and while a member of the school board he fought for the giving of benefits to same sex couples and domestic partners. When Benavides pal Avila tried to push her anti-gay agenda it was Tinajero that fought it at every turn. If you want to get an honest opinion from the LGBT community about Tinajero and his work on their behalf ask longtime activist Jeff LeTourneau instead of listening to the biased ramblings of a half-witted blogger from Long Beach.

Rather than attacking those that agree with them on most issues perhaps they should call out those that oppose them, like Matt Cunningham, or honor those that hate them, like David Benavides. However we know that principles matter very little to these folks, it’s all about advancing their “jihad” against Art Pedroza and myself.

It is just so sad to watch them celebrate Benavides pandering to them while he pals around with those that hate them.