Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
is among the city officials to join the NOH8 Campaign, which raises
awareness and funds for gay rights causes, including ending
California's 2008 voter-approved gay marriage ban, Proposition 8.
The campaign's Adam Bouska and his
partner Jeff Parshley photograph celebrities, politicians,
professional athletes and everyday folks with their mouths duct taped
and the campaign's familiar “NOH8” slogan often written on one
cheek.
Villaraigosa also chairs the 2012
Democratic National Convention.
“If we truly believe in family
values, we should value all families,” Villaraigosa
said in a statement. “I have supported marriage equality since
1994, opposed and fought Proposition 8, and I am proud to serve as
chair of the first national convention – Democrat or Republican –
to adopt marriage equality as part of the party platform. It is a
privilege to join with NOH8 in their national campaign to fight
bigotry and raise awareness about LGBT equality. Changing hearts and
minds is a crucial step on the path toward full civil rights for the
LGBT community.”
Also joining the campaign are Los
Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, City Clerk June Lagmay, Fire
Chief Brian Cummings, City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana, and
Councilmembers Richard Alarcon, Dennis Zine, Tony Cardenas, Paul
Koretz, Jan Perry and Joe Buscaino.