Lorenzo Hoopes is a 96-year-old man who has spent the last twenty years on the board of directors for the Paramount Theatre of the Arts in Oakland, California. Now, after all his years of service, his current re-election to the board is being protested.
Not because of his age. His re-appointment is being protested by the gay activists because he donated $26,000 to the Yes on Prop 8 campaign in 2008.
Hoopes’ significant contribution has homosexual activists up in arms about his traditional marriage stance. It doesn’t matter to them that in his past twenty years of serving on the board he has expressed no homophobic tendencies. It doesn’t matter to them that members of the community didn’t have issues with him before Prop 8. It should matter however that he is being discriminated against for standing up for what he believes.
It is biased to say that he shouldn’t be re-appointed because he voted yes on Prop 8, while other board members are being appointed because they voted no on Prop 8. Oakland has the largest lesbian contingent in the United States, and understandably people want a board that they feel represents them. However, to completely discount all that Hoopes has done for the community because of his religious views shows intolerance. A trait that the homosexual community claims it opposes.
Even journalists in the Bay area are the subject of harassment for writing articles stating that Hoopes’ election shouldn’t be based on his political and religious views, but on his previous work on the theatre board. One columnist made a valid point when she stated, “If Hoopes’ support of Prop 8 makes him unfit to serve on the Paramount board, doesn’t that then disqualify a majority of Californians from holding public office?”
Hoopes should be praised for his decades of work in the betterment of the Oakland community, not withheld from office because he exercised his right to vote for what he believes. He shows no animosity towards those who oppose him, simply stating “”I don’t agree with it, but it’s their prerogative.”
Hoopes’ story is an example of the persecution that many can and will face due to the homosexual agenda. Are you willing to give up your freedom of speech to appease the LGBT community?
Talk about discrimation! Shame on them! I thought we lived in America, the land of free speech? Hoopes election should be based only on his previous work. I keep hearing of the homsexual community crying foul when this happens to them and yet?
I know Mr. Hoopes from another business connection. He is MR NICE GUY and not biased against anyone. He just quietly lives his beliefs. We need more citizens like him. He is honest and contributes to his community.
I’ve known Ren Hoopes for over 50 years. As a teenager I stood on freeway overpasses on election day with a campaign sign proclaiming “Vote for Hoopes for Oakland School Board”–selfless service which he gave for many, many years. He has been successful and consistent with his community service throughout his life. He is a man without animosity or guile, and much beloved and universally respected by those who know him. His service (and his generosity) with the Paramount Theatre of the Arts is legendary and exemplary. The entire community–LBGT and straight alike–should be unified in supporting him at this time.