LA Police Chief Comes Out Against Prop 8

According to Tina Daunt's gossip column at the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton (and his wife Rikki Kleinman) have come out strongly and publicly against Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that would ban and possibly annul marriages of gay and lesbian couples. They have also heartily endorsed marriage equality.

"The Constitution guarantees life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Bratton said this week. "I see no reason why gays can't pursue happiness through marriage."

After learning of the union [between celebrity publicist Howard Bragman and his longtime partner Chuck O'Donnell] a few days ago, Bratton and Kleiman asked the couple what they would like as a wedding present. Bragman was direct: No gifts -- instead, make a donation to Equality California to help stop Prop. 8. And please make it public.

Other friends of Bragman and O'Donnell -- who was USC's Tommy Trojan for 10 years -- have done the same. They include tennis star Martina Navratilova and former "Grey's Anatomy" actor Isaiah Washington. (He's been trying to make amends with the gay community since he was caught uttering an antigay slur backstage at the Golden Globes in January 2007; Bragman is his PR rep.)

You can also help promote fairness and equality for gay and lesbian couples by donating to VOW TO VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8 / Equality for All campaign.

Currently the bad guys have raised $2.367 million while the good guys have raised $2.280 million as of July 16th.