In an email to supporters this afternoon, ProtectMarriage.com, the anti-gay marriage group that ran November's successful “Yes on 8” campaign, criticized Equality California's recommendation to place a pro-gay marriage initiative on the 2012 ballot and the gay marriage movement as a whole.

“While Equality California announced today that they intend to pursue a 2012 election year repeal of Proposition 8 and legalization of homosexual marriage in California,” writes Ron Prentice, executive director of ProtectMarriage.com, in a prepared statement, “it is clear that they do not speak for a unified movement on their side of this debate.”

Prentice continues, “Notwithstanding the decision by EQCA to shift focus to a 2012 election, which they readily admit is a crass political decision, they will lose then just as surely as they would in 2010 or any other year. The people have spoken twice on this issue, both times reaffirming traditional marriage. If asked to do so, they will indeed vote again to protect traditional marriage.”

Prentice further writes to supporters, “ProtectMarriage.com is nonetheless not resting on our victory from 2008, but working aggressively to educate the public and to help the public continue to understand the very vital role that marriage plays in our civil society.  While the other side issues many press releases about their activity, we are quietly but effectively building on our majority in California.”

The ProtectMarriage.com executive director ends his prepared statement with these fighting words: “Based on ongoing conflict among the pro-homosexual marriage groups, it is still unclear if or when this issue may appear before voters in California.  But whether in 2010, 2012, or beyond, ProtectMarriage.com will be ready to defend marriage and emerge victorious again.”

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

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