Hosts Billy Bush and Nadine Velazquez listen as Miss California Carrie Prejean answers a question from judge Perez Hilton about legalizing same-sex marriage during the Miss USA Pageant. "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," Prejean said. "And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
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Miss California sparks outrage over gay marriage remarks
By Jimmy Orr | 04.20.09
Mixing a beauty pageant with politics is a recipe for disaster. You could make a strong case for it, anyway.
The two merged last night at the site of the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas. The result was similar to the fallout after the Miss Teen USA pageant in 2007 when Miss South Carolina gave the greatest non-answer answer perhaps in American history. Both times the non-winner of a pageant got all the attention the next day.
Outrage
But unlike the pageant two years ago, the contestant in the crossfire didn’t give a nonsensical (and wildly entertaining) answer. The contestant last night, California’s Carrie Prejean, was too articulate in the minds of many and led to some flaring tempers (similar to Janeane Garofalo’s flare-up on Keith Olbermann’s show the other night).
The question posed to the contestant couldn’t be any more incendiary: gay marriage.
Asked judge Perez Hilton to Prejean, “Vermont recently became the 4th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?”
Observers quickly learned that in Hilton’s mind there was only one correct answer. And Prejean picked the wrong one.
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other,” she said. “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.”
Prejean was greeted with a mixed reaction from the audience. Boos followed by applause. And the reactions didn’t stop at the pageant. It went into overtime.
Worst answer
Perez then blasted her on his video blog calling it the “worst answer in pageant history.” He also made comments that he has since apologized for. Now he’s asked her out for coffee to “talk.”
The directors of the Miss California pageant condemned her answer on Monday morning.
“As co-executive director of Miss CA USA and one of the leaders of the Miss CA family, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss CA USA 2009 believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman,” wrote Keith Lewis on Hilton’s blog. “Although I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit, I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone. Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family.”
Sticking by it
Does she regret the answer? Not at all.
“I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything,” she told AccessHollywood.
Further, she informed the entertainment site that her sister is a gay rights activist in the Air Force. By the way, her sister was more sympathetic than Hilton.
“She was just in my hotel room and she said, ‘Sis, I’m not offended by anything that you said. We have two different opinions and I love you because of it. I love you because you stood up for what was right, and it’s not a matter of being gay or not gay, it’s a matter of you competing for Miss USA and getting a question and answering it to the best of your ability.”
On one area both Hilton and Prejean agree: her answer killed her chances of winning the competition.
“She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that,” Hilton told ABCNews.com
“It did cost me my crown,” she concurred. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I said what I feel. I stated an opinion that was true to myself and that’s all I can do.”
Tough to beat
Agree or disagree, her comments were clear, and her syntax was correct. By way of comparison, when asked about a poll that showed 20 percent of American students couldn’t locate the United States on a map, this is what Miss South Carolina said two years ago in the Miss Teen USA pageant:
“I personally believe that US Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some, people out there in our nation don’t have maps and, uh, I believe that our, uh, education like such as, uh, South Africa and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over here in the US should help the US, uh, or, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future, for our…”
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2. Rob | 04.20.09
I am sure that her answer likely cost her some points and perhaps the title.
She most likely knew that she was going to give an unpopular answer and she had to choose between her beliefs and the “correct” answer.
I am not sure how many people would stick to their beliefs knowing that it might cost them something that they clearly have worked for, for a long, long time so kudo’s to her for sticking to her beliefs (whether or not I agree with them isn’t the point).
3. Rich Brumb | 04.20.09
I was mad when I heard about the judge Hilton’s response but and equally mad at the Miss California officials who chose NOT to support Miss California. I would like to see Donald Trump step in and make Carrie the winner!
4. The Man with the Answers | 04.20.09
If you read the Miss USA website’s page for Miss California, you will see that 90%+ of the answers there are in her favor. I wonder if she was ’set-up’. Is she a Christian or did she ever express those views before? Miss USA once stood for something wholesome (even with the bikinis). What a shame to have even allowed such a loaded question.
5. justacitizen | 04.20.09
If you don’t want someone to give you a truthful answer, don’t ask the question.
That was her opinion, congrats to her for standing by her principals.
6. Tammy | 04.20.09
Good for you Miss California. Stick to your beliefs. Well said. Hold your head high. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
7. David | 04.20.09
Miss California’s comments about marriage inequality were as superficial as her beauty and intelligence.
8. Ella | 04.20.09
Congratulaltions Miss California for standing up for what you believed. I am so very proud of you. May God Bless you always :o)
9. Rose | 04.20.09
Free right of speech, anyone? I’m glad Carrie had the guts to say what she thought. If she’d spoken out in favor of homosexuals, there would be no article. Such bias from the media!
10. slim gym | 04.20.09
it,s about time we stood up to people who ask wrong questions at public events and get the right answer an the don,t get it. great for the young lady, way to go.. gay marriage is a disgrace to the whole human race..
11. kbmq60@gmail.com | 04.20.09
I am a lesbian and say she is allowed her opinion. I may not agree with her, but she spoke her truth, can’t fault the girl for that.
12. Christian | 04.20.09
Well I’m a Gay Rights Activist, I believe Gay Marriage should be legalized but at the same time I respect her for her answer because we all have a different opinion. As disappointing as it may have been to hear that for Hilton or any other, she does have a right to her own opinion and she boldly stated what she believed in which is the true basis of America.
13. LollipopOkc | 04.20.09
Freedom of speech anyone??? Just because you don’t agree with her doesn’t make it the wrong answer. Way to go Miss California! At least she spoke what SHE believed and not some premeditated, boring answer. I believe the govt shouldn’t tell us who we can/can’t marry but I also believe it needs to be between a man and a woman. It’s how I was raised also. But if her answer cost her the crown then Miss USA pageant needs to get their head out of the sand. If they can’t handle the contestants giving political views then don’t ask questions about politics. Politics and Miss USA don’t mix well.
14. w.mosby | 04.20.09
way to go carrie for standing up for your values,and being proud of your christian up bringing.we need more people like you!! you have alot of fans behind you.
15. Mark | 04.20.09
Amazing. So she was eliminated because of her religious/political views? Hmmm sounds like censorship to me.
16. Teresa | 04.20.09
It’s always unwise to ask a question on national TV when you don’t want to hear the answer (unless it’s the one you want).
17. JOAN WILLIAMS | 04.20.09
CONGRATULAIONS ON YOUR ANSWER TO A QUESTION THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ASKED.
18. Gus L. | 04.20.09
Wow, think of it, we America has actually become a country where you are not able to express you own opinion! What did she say that was so wrong. She affirmed that in America you can marry as you please, but that her opinion was a certain conviction. Shame on those intolerant buffoons who overreacted.
19. Alan Davis | 04.20.09
Good for her,
It is amazing that evrybody has free speech til it comes to homosexuality! lets see, This young lady lost her craown because she happens to believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman!!?? She answers truthfully and she loses her crown. how dare her to question the werido tolernt crowd. Does she not know THEY know whats best? I mena, just ask them they will sure tell you. Hil;to oughta be drumed out of the country for such a STUPID, MORONIC question. What a set-up. Of course, he’s just another sissy boy.
Alan Davis
Waynesville, NC
20. Dan | 04.20.09
Good job Miss California,
The political correctness of Gay right’s should never have been a question in the first place. It’s a shame she lost because a gay person asked a question that they thought only had one answer. On one side of the fence the gays want to be heard with their opinion, but God forbid you don’t agree with them. You lose the contest? Last time I looked, there were no transvestites included in the contest. I’m sure that will change. Oops, I guess I will be called a homophobic since I don’t stand on the left side of the fence. I would support anything Miss California advertises just to back her up. She won’t have a problem getting a job. She is very hot!
21. Aaron DuPont | 04.20.09
It seems kind of funny to me that Liberals in this country would hold some ones personal opnion on a highly debated topic like this one(that just happens to be in line with the opnion of 60% of the country) against them. Are they not stripping her of her constitutional rights, free thought, free speach? Where is the equal protection that the left is screaming about with gay marrige. Well I’m afraid that that only applies if they agree with you. Its not like she came out in an ignorant and derogatory way. She simply stated that she did not belive that the left was correct. You would think they would be used to that by now.
22. Oh no - a descending opinion | 04.20.09
Perez Hilton should no more be a judge of beautiful women than a judge for the 4H. He’s biased, sickly biased at that.
23. Greg Smith | 04.20.09
She was setup to fail. They couldn’t wait to ask her that question. What a stupid question in the first place. The producers of that show and everyone in Hollywood have one agenda and that is promote Gay marriage. I congratulate her for not caving in. Shame on the Miss California pageant for even considering asking that question. Now, even the Miss California pageant has it’s own agenda. Whats next? The Girl Scouts selling cookies as long as you take a Gay Rights flyer?
24. Ted Taylor | 04.20.09
Miss California tried to answer the way she believes and she gets it rammed down her throat.
California is one big freak show.
25. Dave | 04.20.09
Beautiful, smart and has the courage to stand up for her beliefs. She is a true American!
Contest winner or not…she is a winner!
26. realist | 04.20.09
marriage ok, BUT KEEP KIDS OUT OF IT!!!! Same sex couples should never be allowed to raise children. Kids are not chiwawas, but human beings that at early stage learn from, and act like their parents. Having two dads, or moms is as good as brain washing.
27. J.S. | 04.20.09
Everyone has a right to believe one way or another, they asked her a question that involved her opinion on a certain matter and she gave it to them. Anything she said in her answer would’ve offended someone. Shame on the pageant for asking this question!
29. Brian Michael | 04.20.09
I’m not sure what Keith Lewis meant when he said “Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family” (sic), but I think he must have meant that “religious beliefs and politics have no place in the Miss CA family.” If so, then why was Hilton allowed to ask the question? Is it becuase only religious beliefs and politics consistent with the liberal left have a place in the Miss CA family?
30. C Abrams | 04.20.09
Miss California, excellent response! I applaud your honesty and integrity. Thank you for not selling out to the real haters and giving the answer that the asker clearly wanted. Hold your head high. No worldly prize is worth selling out your integrity and values for.
31. Rev BK Heald | 04.20.09
It’s obvious who the bigot is here, and the name is Hilton. The thought police have spurs.
32. h2fnd | 04.20.09
Perez, obviously your question about gay marriage should have not been ask during this show. You ask the question and you got the answer from someone who is more educated than you, her opinion matters and if you expect everyone to bow down before you and your gay issues…well your in for a big surprise. Miss California speaks the truth just like Prop 8 the voices of Californians have spoken so stop being a dumb @$$ and ask a much better question maybe then people might think of you as a reasonable person not an instigator!
33. Jason - Illinois | 04.20.09
Since when should someone be ostracized for stating their beliefs? Terribly ironic, I think, is the fact that those who consider Miss CA’s comments “discriminatory” will counter that by discriminating against her (by keeping her from winning the competition)! Good for her for leading a life based on principle rather than popularity.
34. Ron Willis | 04.20.09
I respect her for standing up to “her” opinion and beliefs!
Notice I said HER!
You GO GIRL!
Ron
35. Seer | 04.20.09
While I think everyone’s got a right to their opintion, Miss California just proved she’s an airhead, albeit a well-spoken one:
- Gay marriage is a civil rights issue, not a religious one. Nobody’s forcing anyone to do things their beliefs proscribe. For her to state that she’s against equal access to civil marriage not only shows that she doesn’t understand our country’s founding principles, but that she supports bigotry and discrimination
- If we’re going to go through the silliness of crowning a fake queen, we should pick one that has the innate flexibility to roll with changes in her environment so that she can be a role model. Her statement, “I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything” just shows that as this country faces challenges, she’s going to either get angry out of helplessness or try solutions that might have worked 2000 years ago to today’s problems. We just suffered through 8 years with a president that thought this way, and mortgaged our future to preserve the past.
36. Fed Up | 04.20.09
I agree with Miss California…call me names or whatever, but the best thing she said was you have to stand up for your beliefs. What’s next, the tree lovers want to marry a tree? I mean after all, it is a living thing, and tree lovers have rights too, right?
37. Kathy | 04.20.09
I believe there is no argument a marriage is between a man and a woman and anyone who thinks other wise is sadly confused. I am proud of this young lady!!!!!!
38. Michelle De Souza | 04.20.09
I think Ms. Prejean did the smartest thing by giving her true opinion. How is it fair to force someone into giving an answer just to appease others. If people are not allowed to express their thoughts on gay marriage then arent we discriminating against those people. If Perez Hilton didnt want to hear her answer he shouldnt have asked it! its outrageous to force people into saying what you want to hear. she didnt condemn the people all she did was give her opinion. I think people are entitled to that atleast!
Im my book, her answer was clear in that it was her beleif and her opinion. She didnt force anyone into thinking that way as well. To me she is a true strong beauty!
39. F. Carter | 04.20.09
Unbelievable that it’s come to this. You can’t speak your opinion in this country anymore, unless it aligns perfectly with some leftist, hollywood induced gay-rights agenda. Millions believe, as do I, that marriage is between a man and woman. That DOES NOT mean you “hate” anyone or anything.
40. Hank Cowell | 04.20.09
What a shame for a woman to speak her mind and lose a contest, one that proportedly is about more than physical beauty. She is the winner. Miss USA Pagent is the loser.
41. Helen Seagull | 04.20.09
WOW- I AM PROUD TO BE A CALIFORNIAN- WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GIRL- INSIDE AND OUT.
THANK GOD, FOR A GIRL LIKE HER WHO IN SPITE OF THE CROWN- CHOSE TO SPEAK
HER MIND.– THERE IS HOPE FOR THE UNITED STATES, WITH KIDS LIKE HER.
THANK YOU CARRIE
HELEN A. SEAGULL
42. James Hill | 04.20.09
People may not agree with her view, but it seems there are a lot of bullies trying to keep her from saying it. I don’t agree with her view, but I’d like to defend her right to have an opinion and express it without being attacked. Isn’t that one of the primary principles of individual freedom in the US?
43. Billy Smith | 04.20.09
As a reminder, over 6 million voters from California voted to ban same sex marriage. Carrie simply stated the State’s official position — as endorsed by over 52% of the voters. To paraphrase Groucho Marx, I wouldn’t want any crown that requires Perez’ answer as a prerequisite.
44. Arthur | 04.20.09
If the directors of the Miss California pageant condemned her answer, they shouldn’t have given politically sensitive questions to the contestant in the first place. I am not antigay and I don’t care if gay people get married or not. Miss California should be commended for her truthfull answer may it be right or wrong to some people. They asked her a question and she answered them eloquently as how she believes in it.
46. BJ | 04.20.09
I applaud Miss California for her statement on her beliefs, which is what the judge asked for. Finally someone who will take a stand, and will not validate what a minority wants them to. Gay marriage is not the mainstream, the majority of people in America do not believe it is right, that is what the media want you to believe. So good for her, and I’ll be sure to influence whomever I can to not invest their time in the pagent any longer, since the pagent has obviously stated which side of the fence they are on.
47. Ross | 04.20.09
What is so wrong about her answer! She spoke her mind! And like it or not she is entitled to her belief. She was asked for her opinion and she gave it - why should the world condemn her for that? It’s not like it’s been established that people who support gay marriage are good, and those who do not are evil!
48. Dis Gusted | 04.20.09
how open-minded could perez hilton be? what kind of question has one right answer? one that’s a total propaganda ploy for gay rights. one that obviously determines a winner or loser simply for believing something. the miss usa pajeant should be embarassed at the question and their choice of perez hilton for a judge. they just got taken by a media attention monger. you don’t have to be for or against gay rights to know that was in poor taste and juvenile.
49. Dee Wylie | 04.20.09
I don’t understand the outrage. Her answer was thoughtful and intelligent. Personal beliefs or opioions should never be criteria for winning a pagent. Carrie Prejean needs to be fired for incompetency on the job since she asked the wrong question. As far as coffee to talk - forget it!
50. bhenchot | 04.20.09
So get this : A gay guy calls a woman who speaks her mind “a dumb blonde.”
Wow ! I’m so disoriented, I scarcely know where to begin. Maybe we should start with firing Perez Hilton for asking a “read my mind” question.
51. Joe | 04.20.09
Thank god, someone else with common sense. Marriage in my eyes ( like most people ) is… do i want to raise a family with this person, am I ready to start having kids. It was not… I would like health care benefits / tax deductions.
52. entitledtoheropinionbut… | 04.20.09
of course she’s entitled to her opinion. but these things test your ability to be diplomatic, and in that respect she did kind of fail. she should have been smart enough to put together something more diplomatic.
and she’s ignorant if she feels that americans have the right to marry as they choose. if they did, this question wouldn’t have been asked.
it’s strange and sad and utterly baffling to me how anyone could be against gay marriage. no one is making churches perform them. the church has no place in policy. that’s the whole point of america.
53. Ron | 04.20.09
“Boos folowed by applause”? Listen again. All I heard was applause. “Worst answer in pageant history?” The man asked for her opinion and she gave it confidently and clearly. Hmmm. “Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family.” Whaaht? I read that five times and still can’t figure out what Mr. Lewis of the Miss California USA was saying.
54. Doug Smith | 04.20.09
Just another reason why the Right will revolt with the Left. No one can have an opinion unless it agrees with the opinion on the Left. How sad. Every Dog has its day and ours is coming and the Left won’t like it one bit.
55. Dinh Le | 04.20.09
MIss CA, Carrie Prejean,
Congratuation. You just won a crown for your belief.
Judge Perez Hilton, This is the best answer to the world. She didn’t scrafice her dignity in order to get your vote.
thanks for reading,
Dinh Le from California
56. The Eternal Squire | 04.20.09
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men”
If you value the things of this world you will surely fall into despair, because there is no guarantee whatever that living a life of integrity and witnessing to it will ever make your prosperous.
Miss California, you should hold your head up high. The inner beauty of your conscience that you displayed today is like the mithril suit of armor that Frodo Baggins wore: worth your entire state and everything in it.
The Eternal Squire
57. 2persons | 04.20.09
Like I wasn’t going to lie and such as and like Iran and the American people need better maps so the gays there can and such as…
58. Raymond Kirchner | 04.20.09
You are right . Mixing a beauty pageant with politics is a disaster. All the questions were about politics. If Hiltion did not want to hear the answer don’t ask the question. Now that the pageant is about politics I will never watch it again.
59. Daniel A Nicolae | 04.20.09
While Ms. Carrie Prejean’s answer angered some of the idiots, to me she’ll always be the “QUEEN”. Way to go, Carrie!!
I am pretty sure that you will have a blessed life, and the prince of your dreams will find you!!
60. L.A. | 04.20.09
The real controversy here is that this question was even allowed to be asked. Last I checked, this country was full of people of all kinds of beliefs. This lady doesn’t conform to Hollywood’s–but believes what some would argue is the majority opinion–so she’s out as Miss USA? How dare they vet people according to their religious beliefs (which is what this amounts to)? Outrageous.
The Miss USA pageant–and Miss California pageant–should be the ones the media is placing under fire, not Prejean.
61. Sceth | 04.20.09
Her answer was nonsensical; she thinks it’s great that people can choose, and yet says a marriage “should be” between a man and a woman. How does restricting marriage to a man and a woman let people choose?
62. Tom G. | 04.20.09
Good for her.
Freedom of Speech, which has been a foundation stone of our democracy, should always be preferred over being “politically correct”. She was asked her opinion and she gave it. Clearly and with no maliace. I have nothing against the gay life style or gay marriage. But to condem someone for having an opposite opinion is as damning, if not more so, then her opinion. Mr. Hilton, in his own way, is a bigot, because there is obviously no other way than his way. Way to go Ms.Prejean. You are a true American. You’re beautiful,articulate and not afraid of standing up for your beliefs. You have my vote. Shame on the pageant for condeming her for only demonstrating the best of American values.
63. Aaron | 04.20.09
Credit to Prejean for speaking her mind, but I cannot help thinking that it’s a little little hypocritical to go strutting around on stages half naked, highly sexualized and perpetuating the notion that women are only worth as much as their external beauty. She needs to re-examine her beliefs, if she thinks that she hasn’t perverted them already.
64. David S. | 04.20.09
You go Miss USA California!! We support you!!
You knew your stance on the matter and you stuck by it - even if that meant losing a chance at the crown. In my book that’s INTEGRITY. You should not allow others (esp. Mr. Perez Hilton – shame on him for trying to throw in a minor issue like that in to the pageant in light of greater social issues to choose from like world hunger, etc.) to intimidate you into saying what you do not believe.
I’d like to just add. It was a breath of fresh air to hear someone actually state what was on their mind without trying to be “politically correct.”
Thank you Miss California.
65. bhammert1 | 04.20.09
||||BRAVO FOR PREJEAN||||
Her answer was neither a political statement nor a religious one. It was based on her personal conviction. All those who are in an uproar about it are showing their intolerance for anyone who doesn’t think the way they do. Grow up. Your acting like 2Yr olds.
66. rob | 04.20.09
We are supposed to live in a country where you can voice your opinion! Did Perez forget that? He’s the joke, what idiot made him a judge? We need more people like MS California, she makes me proud and it shows just how sad, and controlling our media is of our world. It makes you wonder…..what really is going on out there?
67. mike lesser | 04.20.09
If he didn’t like the answer he should not have asked the question. What we have here is George W.Bush politics. My way or the highway and I say no way. What happened to tolerance? Good for her! She spoke her mind! Vote no for a cookie cutter mentality.
68. Mike Smith | 04.20.09
Hey. He asked, she answerd. Not the answer I would have given, but she was honest. Give it a rest.
Mike.
69. Cousin Jack | 04.20.09
What about those people who want to marry their dog, don’t they have rights too?
70. AZMac | 04.20.09
Perez Hilton is fruit extrordinare, and has no business asking loaded questions like this at such an event. He asked for her opinion and that’s what he got… her opinion. Maybe he should keep his own opinions to himself.
71. Tom G. | 04.20.09
Good for her.
Freedom of Speech, which has been a foundation stone of our democracy, should always be preferred over being “politically correct”. She was asked her opinion and she gave it. Clearly and with no maliace. I have nothing against the gay life style or gay marriage. But to condem someone for having an opposite opinion is as damning, if not more so, then her opinion. Mr. Hilton, in his own way, is a bigot, because there is obviously no other way than his way. Way to go Ms.Prejean. You are a true American. You’re beautiful,articulate and not afraid of standing up for your beliefs. You have my vote. Shame on the pageant for condeming her for only demonstrating the best of American values.
72. Miles August | 04.20.09
I would think that gay marriage advocates would love her answer because she appears to be a complete moron. Why not make her answer a rallying cry: “see, this is what idiots think.”
73. Lee Ann | 04.20.09
Someone who does not support equal civil rights for ALL citizens should not represent the country - in any manner.
74. April C | 04.20.09
She had to know as soon as the question was out of Hilton’s mouth that she SHOULD answer it a certain way. How could she NOT know? But instead she made the hard choice- but the one that came naturally to her- the HONEST answer.
No one give the honest answer anymore, they give the politically correct one. We live in a time where free-speech is ridiculed and mocked (tea parties), and the free-speakers are often called the very worst of names including intolerant, un-patriotic and homophobic.
I am confident that this courage of conviction will prevail for her- I can already sense the conservative media lining up behind a new poster-girl! What better crown could she win than the respect of her peers? Thank god for her statement, we need more people in the public eye who are a TRUE reflection of what this country stands for- freedom. HOOOOORAY!!!!
75. Liz VV 009 | 04.20.09
It’s a sad commentary when a person is denigrated for stating her personal belief — the “gays”/”lesbians” I know would support her 100% for her own opinion. She didn’t preach or put down anyone.
76. Civil Rights | 04.20.09
Any woman has the right to marry a man? How is that not equal, you can’t marry your brother, your cousin, your father, or your sex. Those 4 things are the only no-no’s in marriage.
There is only a select few people that those 4 things affect, and each and every one of them will try to tell you why those restrictions are the end of the world.
77. JJ | 04.20.09
What “freedom” is there in America where we can choose??? What a ridiculous answer! Maybe if gay people really were treated equally and had freedom to marry who they love, she could say that, and in her family she can put down gay people all she wants.
78. Sharon | 04.20.09
Well said. It was a ridiculous question for a beauty pageant. Good for her; she stood by what she believes. Great performance.
79. Thomas Farrell | 04.20.09
She did what she thought was right when asked such a question. The judge should not have asked such a stupid question if he might not have liked the result. People should not worry about what his twisted reactions or motives were, but what here thoughts were. She should have won an award for courage, something many do not have. If she would have answered in favor of gays my thoughts would be the same.
80. w.pelak | 04.20.09
Did she really lose? She will be remembered long after the lights and fame dim. Popularity by appeasement is short-lived, speaking truth by personnal convictions is admirable and will raise her to a standard far above those that wish her harm, a true Miss USA…..GOD BLESS YOU!
81. Mabuse | 04.20.09
Just why is it that NO ONE in our silly, trivial, marketing-controlled, poor excuse for a culture is allowed to freely express their ideas–when those ideas are at “odds” with the projected “norm”–without facing the wrath of the Vox Vulgatus via their “journalistic hashasheen”?
Both neo-cons and PCers are equality guilty; witness the massacre of Bill Maher a few years ago.
Either we HAVE a free market place of ideas or we allow lawmakers, taste-makers, opinion-makers and assorted smarming cretins to truly have all the power to control what we think, say and perceive. It is high time we told the assembled cretin-ocracy to **** and go home.
82. tom in berkeley | 04.20.09
It was the PURRFECT ANSWER for her.. cuz now she will be in the July issue of Playboy
83. Hot Guy | 04.20.09
First, somehow I had never seen the clip on Miss Carolina 2007, and it IS the greatest non-answer answer EVER- thanks for the great reference.
The real question: why is such an obviously dangerous question being permitted to be asked to just one contestant?
85. CAPearl | 04.20.09
So, Perez Hilton assumes that Carrie Prejean’s belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman is a religious response. Hm, sounds like religious discrimination to me. I wasn’t raised in a religious home but I believe like she does. A marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Frankly, Hilton should be fired and removed from his position. Obviously, he isn’t an unbiased judge. In my humble opinion I applaud Prejean’s comment. Never give up and never, NEVER, compromise for doing the right thing.
86. Laura | 04.20.09
People sure do seem confused and ignorant about the basis of our great American rights. We are allowed to express our beliefs without harming anyone else and our government will not use that to penalize us - that never said that the court of public opinion wouldn’t! Stop complaining that the expression of an opinion shouldn’t have cost her a beauty pageant - the judges had their own criteria and acted on her responses to those and other questions. If the police came and arrested her thereafter, then you’d have something to whine about, as opposed to people disagreeing.
87. frank loafman | 04.20.09
Is’nt the Miss America Contest one based mainly on the attrativness of the contestant? It is unfail for a principled answere to be held against the contestant. It is obvious that there are mixed answeres to most questions. why should Pereze have only the correct one??
88. MikeM | 04.20.09
Congratulations Miss CA. I do not agree with her position but I do find your courage to be something I can ask my daughter to look up to.
Lets face it Perez set this poor girl up. What would the headlines be today on Fox News if Carrie gave the answer that Perez wanted to hear. I suspect that Perez knew answer he was going to get and is enjoyinhg the press he is now getting.
I suggest that everyone boycott any further programs that this loser (Perez) is a part of.
89. tim D | 04.20.09
What a stupid question to ask om Miss America. Until recently I was for Gay right’s. Their own actions are quickly turning me against them and Hilton’s question was totally inappropriate and not politically correct. What Dweeb.
90. dtschuck | 04.20.09
Yawn, what is a Perez Hilton? I didn’t know there was a T&A contest going on and I can’t imagine who cares.
91. Will | 04.20.09
Maybe I’m not a huge fan of pageants, but did she say her country? Isnt she representing an American state?
Either way, glad she lost.
92. FairMinded | 04.20.09
As a Californian, I am proud she chose to be true to her beliefs. I do find utterly shameful that the Pageant organizers don’t set an equal example and admit that the question should have never been asked and that she should not have been punished for voicing her opinion. It is behavior like this that causes them to lose support. As an sponsor I would be livid with such dishonesty.
93. Denae | 04.20.09
Beauty pageants are just that - a way to judge someone’s looks. I recently judged a pageant and will politely bow out in the future. I do not see the merit in the process and it awards points to the candidate whose abs are more defined. In the real world, it is more important for a “leader” to be wise to politics and world perspective.
94. S | 04.20.09
Perez Hilton wants the right to express his opinion. Yet he’d deny another the same right. Hypocrite.
If she were to not truly voice her opinion, the very freedoms she spoke about would be moot. Good for her.
95. me | 04.20.09
i don’t think she should be so criticized for her answer. although many may not agree with her [and i am one of them] at least she didn’t lie about her beliefs to get the crown.
96. Drake | 04.20.09
Shortly thereafter, Carrie was lobbed into the circus maximus to fight the lions…
97. Shak | 04.20.09
Dear Ms California,
You appeared to be the stereotypical blonde ditz, but that answer was so right on. I would like to take back all of my pre-conceived notions and congratulate you for that answer. I have a new respect and your true beauty came out with those words. You are lovely.
Love,
Shak
98. Felton Berrios | 04.20.09
Last time I looked around…this is still the USA. We are free to express our opinions and ideas freely. If Nazis can march in a Jewish neighborhood ..protected by the local police, then this lady has the right to express her beliefs. If Perez Hilton didn’t like her answer…too bad. I guess only the gay community have the right to comment…what a sad state of affairs.
99. Bekkah | 04.20.09
Personals questions should be left out! Those are her beliefs. You can’t fault her for being honest. I can’t believe the level of people sometimes, especially when they hold a high status, such as the ones one the pagent. It only makes them look ignorant.
100. M Dez | 04.20.09
Good for her! We need more people like this standing up for her rights and beliefs instead of living in fear of “offending” someone. That’s one more for the silent majority opposing the vocal minority. Yeah!
101. madmaximus | 04.20.09
So look what is becomming of our country. A person doesn’t give a p.c. answer and they get persecuted for it. This country was built on the back of hard working families. Gays have contributed but not that much compared to the rest of the population. I for one am tired of the gay agenda being forced on the American public. You gays got your civil unions which I believe are fair, that’s enough. Stop trying to take more than what you are entitled to. Your way of life is a dead end and as free American citizens, we don’t have to agree with your lifestyle, so stop trying to force it on us.
102. PityingYou | 04.20.09
I am that liberal you’re always blaming for the downfall of America. I am that liberal you are so afraid of - in every situation - so much so, you foam at the mouth when you mention the word liberal.
That being said, this woman did nothing wrong. She prefaced the statement with a fact - in the United States, we can marry whom we choose (at least in some areas of the country). She did not say she wanted any type of marriage made illegal, or that she would oppose any form of marriage that did not meet her approval. She made a statement that told her opinion - she even said it was her opinion, nothing more or less.
She should be congratulated for being someone that will answer honestly, not answer for a set of people - left or right - that wait with anticipation to run with her answer as some sort of proof of their viewpoints. She stated her own, and that is quite enough. Just on this alone, I would hope she wins.
103. Claudia | 04.20.09
Good for her for standing up for what she believes rather than saying something just to win. You go girl
104. cpb | 04.20.09
All of you - including the author of this article - are missing the point. She actually endorsed the extension of same-sex marriage rights - but then went on to give her personal opinion / feelings. I.e. - she expressed appreciation for the freedom and choice for same-sex couples to marry, but stressed that it is not her bag.
105. Sarah | 04.20.09
Since when it is wrong in this country to give your own personal opinion??
She was asked a question and she responded. End of story!!
106. Guy Koukal | 04.20.09
As a gay man and an American, I am proud of her honesty and thank God she didn’t give in to “political correctness”. It is a travesty that differing opinions are treated with such disdain and anger.
107. Anton | 04.20.09
If only everyone could be as honest as Miss California was, we would see just what a bunch of hypocrites most people are. The overwhelming majority of people in this country agree with her, but are too terrified to say so openly, for fear of retribution. The exact and immediate kind of retribution she faced.
So much for the ‘land of the free’. You are free, as long as the politically correct police agree with what you are saying.
Whatever happened to freedom of speech and freedom of expression? Thousands of Americans have died fighting wars all over the world so that people could enjoy freedom of expression. Yet right here in our own country, we no longer have that freedom.
Way to go Miss California. I salute your honesty and integrity. Having that in tact is a far greater prize than any pageant title.
108. Edith Somner | 04.20.09
This isn’t fair to Carrie Prejean and perhaps, the question asked of her wasn’t fair either. If the judge asks a question regarding same-sex marriage then the answer to such a question is purely a matter of opinion. There really is no right or wrong answer. It’s her opinion and because of that she was penalized. She was penalized by the boos of the audience and by the judge as well.
Carrie Prejean should be praised for the courage to state her true feelings on the matter even though she knew it would cost her the crown. If she were really dishonest, she would have given a pro-gay answer just to be seen as liberal and popular.
People who are honest and stay true to their ideals and convictions should not be rejected by society just because they have a different point of view. After all, this country was founded on freedom of speech and she has the right to speak her mind. America needs more people like Carrie Prejean.
109. VIDan | 04.20.09
Isn’t it strange that the liberal left is “for” free speech until someone says something they don’t agree with?
She was asked a question and she gave her honest answer. She has a right to an opinion even if it’s not the politically correct opinion that the judge wanted.
Go girl! In my mind you are the winner!
110. Zyrlu | 04.20.09
Yes, she has the right to answer honestly, as she did. The judges also have the right to ask, as they did and subsequently vote as they did. No one was in the wrong here. Her right of freedom of speech also pertains to the judges; they honestly asked, she honestly replied and in turn they honestly voted for Miss North Carolina. I see no censorship involved here. The fact that Miss California stated that her answer made her ‘lose her crown’, is the only mispoken comment. The crown is only yours after you win it. She could have answered that question differently and still not won; her comment only serves to demean Miss North Carolina, who was just as blonde, just as superficial, and just as naive; making her a formidable opponant for this event.
111. robby l | 04.20.09
Perhaps she should have played it off a little better–replied that she has her personal beliefs, they should remain personal, and regardless of those beliefs that she would be able to wear the crown and represent the organization.
Just because it’s an uncomfortable question to answer doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be asked. However, I do think she is getting in hot water “*in my country,* in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman” — as that is more than personal belief, she’s projecting that belief on to other people.
112. Mike | 04.20.09
This was horrible–who let that guy ask that question?!
First off, Perez Hilton doesn’t represent all gays. And Miss California doesn’t represent all Christians. (Surprise surprise, there are Christians that don’t believe being gay is a sin, just as there are Christians who don’t believe divorce is a sin)
Also, the ‘right’ is just as guilty as the ‘left’ for condemning people who don’t agree with their beliefs. Again, one doesn’t represent the whole.
And to those who commented that this is just a stepping stone to people marrying ‘trees’ or ‘animals’: not everyone reads the Bible the same way you do. Why do you think there’s so many demoninations of Christianity?
You go, Miss California! Keep on doing what you’re doing! I admire and respect your courage to not hide your beliefs.
113. Seth G | 04.20.09
Miss CA, Thank you for standing up for your beliefs when others will only say what other want to hear.
114. Jacqueline | 04.20.09
Funny, I hear a lot of knee-jerk comments that liberals (and yes, I am one) are saying you can’t voice your opinion and that we are trying to take away the free speech of those we don’t agree with while I read many liberal responses on here saying the woman had the right to her opinion and they agree with her that being honest was the way to go. Don’t paint it as if one judge who asked a question he never should have asked at such a paegent who then reacted in an idiotic manner to a fair and well state answer represents all liberals. That just makes you look foolish. I agree the girl had the right to her opinion, I believe that the right to free speech is one of the rights that makes this country great and while I don’t agree with her opinion, I commend her for believing truth comes before winning. Let’s stop making it so black and white - I hate to tell you, conservatives, but many liberals agree with you on this one. The woman showed integrity.
115. she just hit the jackpot | 04.20.09
She will get asked to go to speaking event all over the place for years now and she just added “Opposite Marriage” to the national dialogue.
This really has to suck for whoever won the pagaent. Nobody cares about them at all. Everyone is wrapped up in this comment thing.
Any reporter that talks to her will just be asking her about the question from Miss California. When they showed the video of the winner (another cookie-cutter, smoking blonde), I thought that she won. They all look the same after a while.
116. phyllis | 04.20.09
I loved her answer. She stated that “we live in a country where people are free to choose, then voiced her views. If the gays and lesbians cannot take opposite views, why should we listen to theirs. It is called freedom of speech. She will be reap benefits for honoring her teachings. That is worth more than a crown!!
118. s | 04.20.09
this is not freedom of speech but censorship of words…the “press” should know better…this is what our country is becoming under their agenda
119. Chicago | 04.20.09
I am a lesbian and belive strongly in equal marriage rights. Relgions can deal with ceremonies however they see fit, but the government should not discriminate.
That said, I give the girl credit, even though I disagree. I think she is misguided, but it was a ridiculous question to ask in the first place. Frankly, I would feel set-up if I were her.
Perez Hilton does NOT speak for the GLBT community, and most of us do not care what he thinks. He is, just as his name-twin Paris is, irrelevent and famous for nothing at all.
She was well-spoken and gave a thoughtful answer. It’s a shame she was penalized.
120. Cheryl | 04.20.09
She spoke her mind… brava…
Her answer still was illogical.
In her country? which country does she live in?
The question was do you think all states should follow Vermont, simple answer if you don’t agree with same-sex marriage is, no I do not think all states should follow suit I think all states should vote on the issue and let the majority determine what they deem appropriate in each state.
121. Jeeperz | 04.20.09
Congratulations Carrie Prejean! Thanks for having the courage to stand up and speak up and defend your convictions. The Miss USA Pagent corporation should be ashamed of themselves, and just who the **** cares what Perez Hilton has to say! He ought to go sleep under a bridge, and pick sh-t with the pigeons.
122. Perry | 04.20.09
Good Answer. The right answer. I think that gays and lesbians ought to boycott the state of California and move to Vermont.
123. llaing | 04.20.09
Well of course she was allowed to answer the question. She was allowed to answer it — nonsensically — in front of millions of people. And of course Perez Hilton was allowed to ask the question. This issue is one of the most discussed in our country, along with the economy, war and peace, health care and education (all of which have been topics of questions in these contests in the past).
No one was censored. Miss California was allowed to answer, and Perez Hilton responded. He didn’t have to like her answer in order to ask the question. I commend him for asking a tough question, instead of a softball.
It seems as if she was trying to straddle the fence with her odd contradictory response. If she believes we should be able to choose whom we marry, why would she believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman? Sounds like she wanted to say that she supported same sex marriage but realized that she couldn’t. That’s why she lost the contest, IMO.
Of course if the question had been about interracial marriage, and she responded in the negative, many more people would be condemning her. Our country has simply evolved on that issue. And it will regarding same-sex marriage as well.
125. sandra marion | 04.20.09
Since when do we all have to agree on gay marriage been acceptable????
I thought that US was a free country, but more and more there is little left of it. I respect Miss California for not letting others intimidate her, that is the kind of Miss US I would like to have.
126. paul o’connor | 04.20.09
I don’t think the contestant’s response was particularly articulate or clever; however, the pageant’s immediate denunciation of Miss California is disappointing. The message they sent loud and clear is: Curvaceous zombies only. Smart or opinionated women should not apply. How sad.
127. gwyyn | 04.20.09
I also think that Miss CA was right in answering the question according to her own beliefs. However, I would have liked a little bit of a better explanation for her beliefs than “I was raised to believe this.” She should have listed a few logical reasons why the legalization of gay marriage should not be permitted to happen.
I, myself, think that if two people want to commit to be life partners, they should be able to and have every legal right to marriage no matter what the sex.
128. BOB-A-LOU | 04.20.09
It’s funny because he was fully expecting to hear what he thought the answer was. He thought she was going to ramble off some stupid pagent “oh yeah everyone should be able to marry who they want oh and world peace” well this girl has a mind of her own, and she expressed it. He didn’t like what she said so he gets mad. Big deal, this guy has made a living talking about other on a stupid blog and being Flamboyantly gay.
129. David | 04.20.09
Mr. Orr writes “Agree or disagree, her comments were clear, and her syntax was correct.”
Really? Clear? Let’s review:
The first two sentences:
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage.”
So, she thinks it’s great that Americans can choose same-sex marraige.
Then the next two sentences:
“And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman.”
Oh no. Maybe it’s not so great after all.
I would agree that both the first two and the next two sentences, taken separately, are each clear. But they are essentially impossible to reconcile (unless her country is not America). Which makes the entire statement anything but clear.
131. gwyyn | 04.20.09
I also think that Miss CA was right in answering the question according to her own beliefs. However, I would have liked a little bit of a better explanation for her beliefs than “I was raised to believe this.” She should have listed a few logical reasons why the legalization of gay marriage should not be permitted to happen.
I, myself, think that if two people want to commit to be life partners, they should be able to and have every legal right to marriage no matter what the sex.
132. LYDIA PEREZ | 04.20.09
I think it the question was unfair. She was true to what she believed in. Makes me wonder how many “fake” princesses we’ve had over the years. I applaud her standing up and expressing what she thinks and feels. You Go Girl!
133. Charles | 04.20.09
With the respond and expression from Perez, it only shows his intolerant with others whose personal views that does not conform to his.
How can we be ask to be tolerant, when we experience intolerance from the very people asking for tolerance.
134. Sam | 04.20.09
How shameful that this girl can’t think what she wants. Even worse than that is the responses in this forum. Someone compared gay marriages to being the step before allowing tree-huggers to marry trees…. do you not realize they’re human beings, not plants. Marriage is a term that should’ve never EVER been used by the government if there was true seperating of church and state. Everything should be civil unions, for both heterosexuals and homosexuals. I’m actually a republican who beleives the government shouldn’t decide our religious values for us. Churches don’t have to allow it in their church, but it should be recognized by our government because they’re not the church and Obama’s not the pope.
Oh by the way, to the person who said “keep kids out of it”… psychological studies show that children raised by same sex parents don’t have differences than opposite sex parents… it’s just an assumption.
135. Angie | 04.20.09
Why ask someone a question if you don’t really want to know what they think? A case could almost be made that there was a bit of a hidden agenda in asking that particular question. A person can be fair minded and still have a traditional set of values, besides it’s not like she was running for President, it’s a beauty pageant, let’s all get a grip.
136. Cali Guy | 04.20.09
Standing up for her beliefs (which I agree with) not caring about risking losing the crown, now that is what I call integrity.
137. frank coney | 04.20.09
I suppose Prejean’s critics would have preferred she lie and tell the judges what they wanted to hear rather than what she actually believes. For the politically correct crowd, integrity only counts when a person’s answer to a controversial question answer comports to their preexisting belief. Prejean should be admired for having the courage to voice her convictions.
138. Bill | 04.20.09
She was asked her opinion, she spoke her mind but because her answer was not what the public wanted to hear , she is wrong. Why even ask the question.
Just because I don’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean I’m wrong
139. richard10516 | 04.20.09
How can you compare Prejean’s reply to Garofalo’s comments on Olberman? If she mentioned “teabagging” or any other sexual act I missed it. I don’t see any outrage from Parez Hilton about Obama’s position on gay marriage. In addition to echoing Prejean’s sentiments Obama added that anytime any state legislature chooses to do so, they can legislate the same rights under civil unions as those enjoyed under marriage. But that wouldn’t be enough. It’s more than an effort to secure equal rights, it’s an effort to impose one’s lifestyle on others and their religious institutions.
140. FC | 04.20.09
I was sure she was going to say the “politically correct” answer and not be real, but it was so refreshing to hear say what is true to her heart not what some of the public wanted to hear. Nice for a change!!
141. Eric | 04.20.09
It’s ridiculous that a judge can ask a controversial question and expect a “correct” answer. The selection of Miss California should have nothing to do with gay marriage one way or the other. Did they expect her to lie to win (unfortunately many would) or do they think that gay marriage is such a settled in issue in this country that any sensible person would feel one way (implying they don’t watch the news)? Either the expectations were just plain wrong.
142. Tommy | 04.20.09
Bravo, Miss Carrie Prejean for holding your ground with your belief! This is one of the main reasons our beloved country has been on the wrong track, going out of the way to please a certain group of homosexuals. The word GAY is misnomer. Its meaning of being gay is happiness. Look up in a dictionary! For instance, it is a gay day…wonderful day or….I have a gay life…my life is good. Got it?
143. Jacob | 04.20.09
“I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything.”
Stupid person, you only take an uncompromising stance on your beliefs if those beliefs are correct to begin with. Religious beliefs have one place in society and one place only, and that is on the personal level. To deny equal treatment to a group because of religion is a breach of the First Amendment.
144. — | 04.20.09
It appears Perez Hilton is speaking as the type of person who believes other people would be offended by comments based on personal opinion, but even individuals within gay marriages have different views and do respect the opinion of individuals who oppose gay marriages.
What I see is a denial of free speech.
145. Ed the C | 04.20.09
This country believes in freedom of speech, the freedom to express ones views. To penalize anyone for speaking their mind is prejudice and un-American.
146. Steveo | 04.20.09
Isn’t it interesting that gay rights activists believe they have a right to their opinions and beliefs but they do not believe Miss California should have the same right???
Now there’s a question for the judges, sponsors and everyone else connected with the Miss USA Pageant– Do you believe everyone in this nation has a right to their own beliefs, including the right to voice those beliefs, without being punished? Depending on your answer, perhaps you should go back and read the Constitution of the United States. It frames an answer to this simple question quite eloquently.
147. flavs | 04.20.09
These questions are to prove in some way how smart these girls are no what their opinion is about something! Is like asking someone do you like vanilla or chocolate ice cream???? She gave her true answer which happens to be her opinion on a very delicate subject! are these questions reviewed before? what’s wrong with these people?? Perez Hilton your such a L
148. clay | 04.20.09
Kudos to Miss California for answering honestly! You don’t have to support her answer (to a loaded question), but you have to support that she was honest with her feelings. In her mind, it was better to be honest, than to lie and win the Contest while being untruthful. I would hope in the future that the Miss USA Organizers review the questions beforehand…otherwise, the questions at this event are going to sink down into political questions, religious questions, civil rights issues, etc. We don’t need this in a beauty contest. What would have happened if a Judge had asked Miss N.C. about recent abortion cases, or Miss Texas about how she felt about the Mexican’s being killed on her State’s border. To me these kinds of loaded questions are a no-win situation for both contestants and judges…to say nothing of the controversy it causes for viewers. BTW..even if I don’t agree with her answer…Wow!!!! Miss California was stunning!
149. TravMac | 04.20.09
Good going Miss Cali! It’s not fair to be judged by your beliefs. I’m no christian, but she didn’t say that gay’s shouldn’t get married, nor did she condemn it. She only stated her opinion and what she believes. People who get offended by such are narrow-minded to say the least!
150. Konadog | 04.20.09
Wow. I saw her for a couple of minutes last night and thought what beatiful woman. Now I’m even more impressed. Beatiful, courage, and true to her beliefs. It’s truly sad that such a GREAT example to all woman should lose because of the very characterics the pageant SHOULD be promoting. Ironic, that last night during Celebrity Appentice The Donald told Hershel (sp) Walker that “I’m not gay but I love you”.
151. Free Speech | 04.20.09
What in the heck was she suppose to say? Did they not ask her opinion or was she suppose to say what she thought the public would want to hear? Beauty pageants are a farce and they are all what America think should or shouldn’t be from how they think a woman should look now to what they think should be I guess everybody’s opinion.
153. CaliforniaTheLeftCoast | 04.20.09
I have never seen anything more discriminatory than this. Do you people need to be slapped upside the head to realize the leftist socialist agenda dictates that we are not entitled to an opinion if it differs with theirs?
I am sick of being persecuted for being a Christian; however, even that pales in comparison to discrimination based on the gospel according to the leftist socialist freaks. I really don’t care what they do as long as they keep it to themselves. At least until now. You Go, Miss California - you have strength of character. Sorry you were set up by that mean queen.
154. twitter.com/dcatura | 04.20.09
As a Marine Corps Veteran with combat tours under my belt, I believe that as much as the tree hugging liberals have the right to fight for homosexual marriage rights, I think Miss California has the right to say whatever she wants was well. I, as well as well as my brothers in arms, have fought for this basic freedom. Say whatever you want to say when you want to say it.And for the record if gays want to get married, let em. A man marrying a man isn’t going to affect me.
155. Jim Good | 04.20.09
The question was far more general than Miss California treated it. Hilton’s question was not how the candidate felt on the subject but was a more open ended one that asked should other states follow the recent lead of Vermont in approving Gay marriage. A perfectly rational answer would have been that each state should examine it’s laws and do what the state and federal constitution seems to require of it.
Miss California missed the perfect opportunity to show how she could handle controversy and therefore did not deserve to become Miss USA
156. bluprntguy | 04.20.09
I’m sick of these ‘freedom of speech’ comments. You’re right, we have freedom of speech in America. However, that freedom of speech comes with accountability. If you think it is acceptable to get up on national TV and state that a class of people should be denied equal treatment of the laws of our great nation, you had better be willing to back that up with something better than “it’s what I believe.”
157. GeneK | 04.20.09
How about just judging her by the fact that her answer was flat-out wrong?
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other,” she said. “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage.”
Not in 46 out of 50 states you can’t.
158. Kate | 04.20.09
I think Miss CA should have won. I disagree with her immensely, but she still should have had the crown for being so honest in front of all those cameras. I do want to point out to some of the commenters before me that there are liberals that oppose same-sex marriage as well as conservatives that support it. There are even Christians that support it, even though they are far outnumbered by those that do not. You have to realize not everyone interprets the bible the same way, and most people do not take it literally (otherwise there would be no divorce or pre-marital sex). Picking and choosing what you want out of the bible is your right, but you should really look at your own choices before throwing stones in glass houses. We’re all just people being people, fighting for what we think is right. America: freedom of religion, freedom from religion, and freedom to say things you know people will disagree with based on their relgious beliefs (or lack thereof). This is why America is so great, people. We get to disagree with each other without being shot at, hanged or beaten to death. Leave this girl alone and Hilton, too.
159. Hale | 04.20.09
What ever happened to people being entitled to their own opinion, whether they agreed with you or not?
Everyone should just chill out and take a tolerance pill.
160. Lynn | 04.20.09
I SO AGREE WITH CHARLES !!! Amazing that the people who are “demanding” tolerance of gay marriage, are INTOLERANT of those who have a different opinion. I am so proud of her for stating her views and so ashamed that she lost because of “Political Incorrectness”. This Country is drowning in PC !!
162. Martin | 04.20.09
Beauty contests are no place for religious or political viewpoints. Contestants should be judged for there inner and outer beauty only. This leads to all possibilities of abuse, the contestants could use these contests to fight for their own personal agendas. If Miss California said she was for Obama many McCain supporters would have stopped supporting her and visa versa.
These contests are not forums to influence children and others with religious and political opinions. Just because the contestants have the spotlight for beauty does not mean they can take advantage of that for other purposes. The inner and outer beauty of a person should be just that, rather than voting for someone on the bases of religion or politics. A beautiful person can be be Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Agnostic or Atheist etc…
Contestants should not be allowed to talk of their religion or political views because it has nothing to do with beauty. Also this could be used, as in the case, against them or in other cases to increase their chances of winning due to popular opinion.
After all, are the contestants getting voted into office or just trying to be recognized as the most beautiful??? Ridiculous!
163. Big Jim | 04.20.09
Psychological studies performed by whom? Funding from where? Science gave you your answer about same sex children vs. opposite parents. Is science correct all the time? Science is skewed; many times to favor the answer you want. Don’t believe science for the sake of science either…otherwise you will never be able to eat eggs… raises cholesterol…doesn’t raise cholesterol.
164. Steve McNallen | 04.20.09
Thank you, Miss Prejean, for your honesty, your integrity, and your courage. I salute you.
165. El | 04.20.09
Perez was immediately visibly angered by Miss California’s answer. Like Perez, I too was very disappointed. However, in retrospect, her remark can be interpreted as saying “This is American, and you have the right to do what you want. Although I personally believe that same-sex marriage is wrong, I will not try to force my beliefs on anyone else.” If this is indeed what she meant, then she does have the right to her own opinion. I personally believe that same-sex couples are entitled to all the same legal rights as mixed-sex couples. Ideally, it should be called “marriage” regardless of the gender of the participants. However, since this is America, we don’t have the right to dictate other peoples religious beliefs. This means that although government and law do not have the right to refuse to recognize a same-sex marriage, churches do have that right — even though it is to the churches detriment to not treat everyone equally. To those raised in a faith that does not accept them for who they are — I am deeply sorry. As late as 1965, my own marriage was still unlawful in several states. In time, we will look back in disbelief at Miss California’s unenlightened beliefs. In the meantime, well I guess we need to grit our teeth and put up with this attitude, while continuing to push for equal legal rights for ALL families. LOVE makes a family, not mismatched XY chromasomes. And I believe Jesus would have felt the same way. A “sin” can only occur when someone is harmed. As long as you aren’t harming anyone, you should feel free to be yourself in the way that God created you.
166. Mark | 04.20.09
Miss California is very smart.
She just honestly express her opinion
without hurting people.
She picked the best way to answer this
tough question and without regret.
I truly respect her answer and is the best
answer for telling the truth.
167. CRodriguez | 04.20.09
Lets get one thing out there. Im bi, so obviously im pro-gay marriage, but this story is ridiculous! Miss America has nothing to do with religious or political ideology.
And why was the **** was Perez Hilton a judge? Who the f**k is he?
And that question was totally bogus. How could they even allow that question?
Now guess what people, denying LGBT people the right to marry is against the law! It robs us of our civil liberties. The same way the Blacks had to fight for their rights, now we have to fight. Not allowing this is ignorance. Why should someone else’s actions affect you? If it doesnt harm you, then you dont worry about it.
And i read that someone said gays shouldnt be allowed to raise kids, because it robs them of a mom and dad? So what about single parents? Foster children? Kids living with their grandmother or uncle?
Its ridiculous that people even dare to fight it!
“Marriage is between a man and woman.” Who says? Your religion. Not mine. Should atheists not be allowed to marry? No, one would say that that is stupid.
168. Herb | 04.20.09
Gays are perhaps as intolerant of others as many were intolerant of gays in the past. To quote Rodney King, “can’t we all get along?” The woman expressed a belief that is not controversial and not uncommon, and the politically correct bigots are going to crucify and penalise her when, in fact, she did not volunteer the opinion or attempt in any way to persuade anyone that her opinion was the only opinion possible. When we have a situation when only one opinion is correct, we are in terrible trouble Gays and the people who have criticised this young woman should be ashamed of themselves.
169. Srini | 04.20.09
The last time I checked this was the US of A …the land of the free…since when did expressing an opinion become right or wrong…. and become the basis for deciding someone’s fate …. has the worlds most advanced country gone back to the middle ages ?!!
170. Ronnie | 04.20.09
Right on babe, man and woman create children, man and man does not, neither does woman and woman, trying to mess with the heiarchy of life is messing with powers you do not want to mess with.. all will reap what they sow..and yes you can have all the opinions you want, reality will be..old and no children to love you..keep on rebel rousing, man has done this thru the ages..
171. Jude | 04.20.09
Good for her. Shame on everyone who put her into that situation to begin with and to condemn her for stating her beliefs COMPLETE with the curtosey and concern not to offend anyone. She has courage to stand up for what she believes in when the heat is on. Now I hope she takes off like a rocket. Personally I think gay marriage is fine: “Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman” “Gay marriage is defined as between a man and a man or a woman and a woman” Give them their rights and lets be done with this, sick and tired of hearing about it.
172. Str8shooter | 04.20.09
I’m sure if she was in the pagent 40 years ago, she would have said she was against inter-racial marrage (still illegal in some states at that time) and women in the workplace.
173. Sierra | 04.20.09
Smart & Hot. Great combo.
Lets see, she politely gave a cogent, logical and honest response to a dumb question from a conflicted, emotional questioner with an axe to grind.
The questioner freaks out because he doesn’t like her answer and calls her names (b$#%tch and stupid). Now who is the loser: the polite, logical, attractive & well-composed person or the irate, vindictive, gross, and overly opiniated loser? Duh
174. Libs offended again! | 04.20.09
Look! She was asked a question and she answered it. She said this is her opinion and it wasn’t meant to offend. I may not like what she said but I have to live with it. This is whats commonly called a FREE COUNTRY. Now, lots of liberals don’t seem to mind free speech, like calling Bush Hitler and showing pictures of him with swastikas, putting Anti-Christian posters next to Christmas trees, going oversees and calling us ignorant, just so long as it’s the kind of speech that doesn’t offend anyone.
175. Sanjoy | 04.20.09
Why is it that if a homosexual says gay marriage is a “right” then it’s ok? When straights say the opposite, this happens. Perverts beware, the backlash is going to put this to rest.
176. Jeff Saunders | 04.20.09
Who the h is Perez Hilton? What gives him the right to condemn anyone else’s moral beliefs? If he had already determined what her answer should be according to his beliefs, he shouldn’t have asked the question. Anyone that criticizes her position just doesn’t understand how strongly most people feel that marriage is between a man and a woman!
177. Adam | 04.20.09
This whole situation is incredibly stupid. The producers are incredibly stupid. Since when is it wrong to say what you think? And be condemned for it? She lost because she was HONEST with herself and the rest if America. Another words, you have to be what the producers and judges want you to be. They don’t want you to be you. They want you to have their opinion and feelings. This woman should’ve won regardless of her answer. And even more so that she is an honest candidate and not bending to the pressure of the judges and producers. You don’t find people like that anymore.
178. Maurice | 04.20.09
Miss California represented California with the utmost integrity in giving the correct answer to a question that should have never been asked. Miss California has raised the bar for contestants in the future of the Miss USA pageant. Good job your parents raised you right
179. Davis | 04.20.09
This- and any other political question- should not be asked. That said, her answer was pretty awful- It’s okay to deny people rights because “that’s how you were raised?” You can justify any tradition that way… and think about the horrific practices that have been a part of our nation’s history. To quote Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes- “It is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that so it was laid down in the time of Henry IV. It is still more revolting if the grounds upon which it was laid down have vanished long since, and the rule simply persists from blind imitation of the past.”
But I can’t stand Perez… through his incessant self-promoting media whoring, he actually hurts gay rights causes.
180. Misty | 04.20.09
Perez is among the 100 percent of gay people who want to have the right to choose and not be JUDGED. Isn’t that hypocritical that she is being JUDGED by him for what she chooses to believe?? Perez should be banned from anything representing the USA, especially since his blog represents what a ignorant man he is. He calls her a ***** because of her morals which only makes her truthfulness more valid. He is a disgrace to his own kind.
Way to go Miss California!!!!!
181. Mel | 04.20.09
You can’t fault her (or penalize her) for expressing her own opinion — and she did it in a poise (non derogatory) way. Points should be awarded or deducted on how you answer the question in a relevant way, irrespective of the opinion. Bottom line is that if you don’t like the answer … why ask the question in the first place? Biasness should be thrown out the window when judging and you can’t judge a person based on the fact that she doesn’t have the same opinion as you.
I am not going into a debate of whether I agree or disagree with her opinion but I do commend her for standing up for herself to what SHE thinks is right, not what everyone else does — good for her. We want people to grow up to think for themselves, not be a puppet of someone else.
This is the whole essence of what America is great for — free speech and the ability to express your own opinion. Taking that away dilutes the very basis of what America stands for. Perez Hilton forgets that because of free speech and because America is how it is, he doesn’t need to be *scared* to open up and express his own sexuality unlike some countries. You, Mr. Hilton, are *discriminating* on someone just as someone would potentially *discriminate* against you — just stop it.
It basically shows your immaturity and please, get that chip of your shoulder.
182. Fred | 04.20.09
Hot & smart. Sticks to her guns (beleifs). Not brainwashed by our mentally retaded lowest common denominator media. Not bullied by an opinionated, freak, homosexual weirdo. Miss CA - you rock. Perez - you r a loser
183. sauce98 | 04.20.09
Apparently Perez Hilton and the directors of the Miss CA pageant have forgotten the very important words of Voltaire: “I do not agree with a word you say but i will defend to the death your right”. Why did Perez ask the question if he did not want to hear an answer he may not like?
184. ted | 04.20.09
She is the winner!
For the judges … they reflect the public; we live in the land where we are free of speak our minds but we are scared to death by the consequences, so … We are all in a mass identity crisis. I do belive that marrige should be between a man and a woman. Every other couple that wants to share any sort of relationship find a different name …
185. Mary | 04.20.09
I think its a disgrace that celebrities and the media try to bully people to agree with their point of view and this is a classic example. Here is a lovely young woman stands up for her opinion and is ridiculed because it isn’t part of the anything goes lifestyle. Someday, we are all going to answer to a Higher Power. The anything goes groupies can call it karma, or the religion du jour, I answer to God and ultimately, we all will. Good luck, because there is right and there is wrong, and Miss California was right.
187. scott | 04.20.09
I beleive she answered the question very well and gave her honest opinion to a verly poor question. Miss USA contestants should not be asked a political question - the questions should be softball questions so they can answer in a funloving way. I beleive they should throw out the questions and if Miss California would have won the pageant then she should be co-Miss USA and the pageant should give her all of the same rewards as Miss North Carolina. Message to the pageant leaders and judges - keep your political views to yourself.
She can be my Miss USA!
188. curly | 04.20.09
After watching the pagent, I had tell my wife that we would have to get a divorce and I would have to find me a man. I don’t want to upset anyone by being straight. I will just follow the crowd right off the cliff!!!!
189. Respect Opinions | 04.20.09
Miss California expressed her own opinion. She was asked what she thought and she answered honestly. What is right for one person is not right for all. If that’s what she believes, that’s what she believes. We should respect each other’s opinions and beliefs. We don’t have to agree, but just respect each other, especially if she didn’t disrespect the opposing side. It’s not like she attacked people who are gay.
191. Kathy | 04.20.09
When one asks a question which requires an answer based on opinion, the answer is always valid and correct. Whether or not the asker agrees is not the issue. Opinions are based on life experiences and environment, and no two are exactly the same. She answered honestly probably knowing her answer would not be well received. I may not agree with her but we need more people in this country who will stand up for their beliefs. As the saying goes…”If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
192. Grandpappybear | 04.20.09
She gave a true and honest answer and it wasn’t the one the gay officals wanted to here so she was slamed. That’s too bad, they have to get their panties in a wad just because she is honest! I happen to agree Miss California. A Marriage is between a Man and a Woman no other way! Great for you! In my Book you are Miss America! Period!
193. CalifornianNotProudAnymore | 04.20.09
How has nobody here noticed that it was a factually incorrect answer? People do not have that choice in every state.
It’s ironic that someone who’s against same-sex marriage looks so much like a drag queen. Of course, all those Junior League types do. Heavy makeup is the bridge that brings together social conservative women and gay guys!
194. Victoria | 04.20.09
I have three words for Miss California…
YOU GO GIRL!!
It makes me so happy that she stood up there and voiced her opinion and didn’t let “Perez Hilton” intimidate her into giving an answer that she didn’t believe in. I don’t think that very many people would have been able to do that. I completely agree with her answer by the way! Personally…I think she should have won, not because of the answer that she gave, but because of her bravery and because she gave the answer anyways even though she knew no one would like it. That definitely goes to show what kind of character she has and how good of a person she really is…which is what the pageant is all about to begin with!
195. TooGood4You? | 04.20.09
This contestant didn’t quite get ‘it’. She was being asked if she has compassion for other human beings. She flubbed it completely. Her so-called honesty is really institutionalized prejudice that is learned from a parent(s) out of date opinions. Our freedom must allow for anyone to chose the marriage partner of choice regardless of society’s approval. I personally don’t agree but it’s not for me to dictate to anyone else. Ever!
It used to be illegal for a Caucasian to marry a person of color. The same senseless prejudice was parroted by bigots back then too.
Marriage is no ones business but those involved. If it has no direct effect on you, Mind Your Own Business. So-called ‘Chirstians’ seek attention by proclaiming superiority over a variety of people. The irony is that true Christians don’t need to preach their ‘faith’ because they actually have faith in all humans. To diminish gays is to say that God has made mistakes.
Sooner or later prejudice will find something about you that is found to be unacceptable by a closed mind.
Too fat, too short, too dark, too light, too wealthy, too poor, strange accent, speak to well, under-educated, over-educated, hate animals, love animals, eat meat, vegetarian, favorite color is red, no favorite color, love men, love women, love both, love no one, like chocolate, love vanilla etc.
196. Kendra | 04.20.09
“Although I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit, I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone. Religious beliefs have no place in politics.”
Too bad that religious rights are being infringed upon in states where gay marriage is legal. Pastors or clergy that refuse to marry same-sex couples in states where is legal can lose their job for refusing to do so based on their religious beliefs. I know many pastors who will not marry a couple who is living together before marriage because of their religious belief that sex is sacred to marriage. There is no scandal behind that and cohabitation is legal. If the left wants to push free speech, free thinking, religious rights, and wants to talk about how they’re so loving, accepting, tolerant, etc., then they sure as **** better be loving, accepting, and tolerant of beliefs that differ from theirs. What a sickening double standard.
197. iCantBelieveIt | 04.20.09
Please, BOTTOM LINE, that question was inappropriate for such a venue! And, furthermore, she SHOULD have won because her response was articulate, syntax was correct and she spoke clearly without hesitation - THAT is the reason for the question portion of the show, it is NOT based on one’s beliefs but on the way they perform!! I wonder if she is an ATHEIST??!! Does it matter?
199. Judi Ladely | 04.20.09
Congratulations Carrie for speaking what you believe and sticking to it! Kuddos to you!
200. Jim | 04.20.09
We supposedly live in a free country but the reality is people are constantly being blasted for their beliefs if they are not politically correct. Why should anybody care what her opinion is about gay marriage? I certainly don’t care what she or anybody else thinks. It is after all her opinion and in a free society she should be allowed to not only have her own opinion but also share it with others if she wants too. Sure we have a right to free speech but then again the powers that be have the right to shun us from society if they do not like what we are saying.
201. Walter Wolfram, Sr. | 04.20.09
The interviewer was in bad taste in asking the question and in worse taste in complaining about her answer. Apparently the interviewer expects silly conduct such as same sex marriage to be put up with by this young woman but having a contrary opinion should not be put up with. So who is the real bigot?
202. anono | 04.20.09
umm, now I thought the whole point of having judges is so that there is no bias!
he is totally slanted one way and is unwilling to see anything different! I think that his question was loaded, and no matter who answered, or what they answered for that matter, he would have found some way to put a spin on it to make a huge overblown thing out of something as simple as a persons decided way of life.
is she not entitled to believe what she wants? or is this your way of saying that all must bow to the *snickering* mighty perez?
*cough cough* publicity stunt *cough*
203. kat | 04.20.09
I am absolutely shocked that they allowed this question at the pageant. It is clearly a politically charged subject that for a lot of people doesn’t have a clear answer. Also Perez Hilton is an odd choice for a judge, what exactly did he do in his life beside spread gossip about Lindsey Lohand and Britney? I don’t think he was an appropriate choice. If they wanted a better representative of the gay/lesbian community there were plenty of credible individuals such as Ellen DeGeneres or Marc Jacobs…
In addition to that she was honest, she did not bash anyone openly. I feel like it was not fair question to ask in this situation. She got penalized for honestly and sticking to her beliefs, I kind of taught that that’s what Miss America, was all about… I guess not.
204. Louise L. | 04.20.09
I applaud Miss California for standing up for her belief and her family for raising her right. Shame on Perez Hilton and double boos to the directors of the CA Pageant for their comments. This has nothing to do with religion or politics. When asked a question, Ms. Prejean gave her personal opinion, she did not compromise, she did not give in….She is the true American beauty!
205. Don | 04.20.09
@35 Seer,
dude or dudette…the subject here is what Miss California said in answer to a question. As for the comment about the “last 8 years”…well, all I can say is that you’re not as intelligent as Miss California…if you’ve followed politics at all the past 25 or 30 years (and if you’re not that old, go read some history) you’ll find that both political parties have screwed the citizens of this country…this b.s. about the Bush presidency is nothing but Democratic hyperbole to get you to ignore the real issues…our leaders only care about thier power and don’t give one whit about you or anyone’s rights…I think we should be more ****** about the Patriot Act and the latest ‘Stimulus’ bill than what a beauty queen thinks about same sex marriage.
206. brh | 04.20.09
Why is “being true to your beliefs” considered such a positive thing? There are a lot of racists who are pretty “true to their beliefs”. How is that a good thing? By all means, she has every right to state her opinion, but when it is one as ignorant as the one she expressed, she deserves to lose. If the Miss America Pageant is truly supposed to reflect the best this country has to offer then she absolutely has no business playing that role.
207. zoogirl | 04.20.09
The question should NOT have been asked in a pageant. She was honest in her answer, sticking with her beliefs. Why should that be held against her? I don’t think Mr. Hilton has any business being a judge in a beauty pageant and I will never again watch this farce.
208. Amy | 04.20.09
Miss California really needs to get out of the sun. Great, she stood up for herself and stated her opinion. Do you really want someone like that to represent the UNITED States of America? No.
I am happy with the results.
210. Ken | 04.20.09
Great job young lady. The are many more of us who believe that marriage should be defined between a man and a woman.
211. Joe the American | 04.20.09
It seems to me that the Gay movement is bent on hating anyone for having a opinion outside their own selfish interests. The contestant didn’t say a word about not liking gays…all she said was what her values were…that she felt that marriage was between a man and a woman.
Can’t the gays be more open minded instead of harboring hate and anger? What’s next folks, forcing us to accept marriage between animals and humans?
212. markb | 04.20.09
Way to go Carrie! It is so strange that gay activists can’t see their obvious bias. They want one set of rules on freedom of speech to apply to those with traditional views, but they seem to think they are exempt themselves. We need more people to stand up and speak truthfully and speak their convictions. We have to fight for truth and fairness before certain minorities completely destroy our country with their approach to make everything a violation of the their rights if it is said against them.
214. nicdog | 04.20.09
She didnt answer the question as he stated in his blog. She didnt even understand it. She gave her personal opinion, and what the heck is opposite marriage anyway..And as for you people who keep thinking marriage has something to do with children, ENOUGH already. That is just your poor reasoning for being homophobic. Marriage has nothing to do with children. Its a contract and thats it!! *** is wrong with this country when in 2009, people are still hung up on this stuff. FYI, the divorce rate for HETEROSEXUAL marriage is more than half… so much for your Family Values HIPPOCRITES!!
215. Dave | 04.20.09
Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr., A.K.A. Perez Hilton is open about his homosexuality and is a shame that a question about same sex marriage has to be thrown into a pageant. I applaud Carrie Prejean for saying what she believes in. On same sex marriage, why shouldn’t they marry. Why should heterosexuals be the only ones to pay alimony and child support.
216. Ed Malloy | 04.20.09
I don’t understand the problem.
The way I read her answer she is happy to live in a country where people can have same sex OR opposite sex marriages. (Period)
In her case, she is looking for an opposite sex marriage, as that is the tradition she was brought up in. (period)
217. Bruce | 04.20.09
Why would they ask her a question, and particularly a politically charged one, if they weren’t prepared to deal with her answer?
I don’t agree with Miss California’s opinion, but I admire the integrity and articulateness of her answer. She should NOT lose her chance at the title for being honest.
In fact, she should WIN based on her answer.
218. BradMan | 04.20.09
While I disagree with Ms. Prejean’s position this is still the United States of America. To belittle this woman for her views is absolutely repugnant and contrary to any citizen’s absolute right to freedom of speech. The last time I checked there was no prohibition against being politically incorrect.
219. Gerry | 04.20.09
Right or wrong as a gay man I support her honesty.. If you don’t want the question answered honestly don’t ask it.
220. BBoley | 04.20.09
I agree with Miss Cal! Kudos to speaking your mind. That joke of a man Perez should not be judging anything that has to do with beautiful women. Soooo not qualified!
221. Storm Christopher | 04.20.09
She was passably articulate. The question was inappropriate. And Perez Hilton is a self-aggrandizing airhead. He should put on a dress and a little pair of high heels and enter the contest himself so he could answer his own question properly.
That said, what’s all this bullshit about “Freedom of Speech? Miss Prejean exercised her freedom of speech as she saw fit. Go, her. She wasn’t arrested. She isn’t in jail. No government agency has come after her. But Freedom of Speech does not and never has meant Freedom from Consequences. It’s amazing how many people are confused by that.
Miss Prejean responded with a platitude, displaying no particular depth of thought, parroting by her own admission what she’d been taught. She got the nouns and the verbs in order, and that can’t be said for many of these contestants. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a grammar contest.
222. Charli | 04.20.09
Looking at the situation from both sides. I think that Perez at a right to ask the question, and she had a right to anwser truthfully. If the title was given out on a bias circumstance i don’t feel as if that was fair. However, some of her answer was just stupid. she said “In my country…” Well Miss California if you hadn’t realized that you do live in a country amongst Homosexual individuals and the lifestyle is very prevalent in our society. Whether or not religious indiviudals will be able to cope with that is on them, but they’ve always been around and will continue to do so. From of Sociologist point of view, it is a saying that all individuals from all walks of life are needed in our society, including those who have alternative lifestyles. And furthermore i don’t feel as if Miss USA should have to represent something wholesome. She should just represent the USA for the country it is. This country consist of Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, black, white, asian, disabled, and any other type of individual you can think of. Quite frankly i think that the Pagaent industry is wrong for tryin to brand themselves as wholesome when their judging young women based upon their own beliefs & norms. I’m Pretty sure Miss USA will never be a homosexual or even bisexual woman who chose to speak on her sexuality. We don’t have to like what she said or Perez’s question for that matter but we all have to accept it. It is what it is, she doesn’t believe in homosexuality and the marriage of these individuals. GET OVER IT! Hey I’m black and there are still people that don’t believe black people should be free or even alive for that matter. I’m over it, i need people like that to remind me of how much harder i need to work to prove myself. And thats all she did for some homosexual, stimulate an uprise as to how they need to work that much harder to further prove themselves and legalize same sex marriage.
223. nic | 04.20.09
I’m 100 % for gay marriage, but this backlash is quite disguisting and has gone WAY too far. Since when have we become so intolerant of other’s viepoints in this country? Is Miss California running for political office? Then why should we give a flying f what she thinks on policy issues?
Furthermore, maybe you shouldn’t ask politically loaded questions if you don’t want a political answer.
224. rc53 | 04.20.09
It may seem like an inappropriate question to ask because many think it is merely political but to gays and lesbians I imagine it is more a question of civil rights. Christians and other religions like to claim it is a religious rite but the governments of every state in the union issue marriage certificates that bind people to one another and give them legal rights to become family units that are denied to gays in 49 states. That makes it legal not religious. I think it is as good a question as any and as relevent. Maybe it will finally spark a debate about why states even issue marriage certificates to anyone instead of certificates of civil union to all, including gays and lesbians. Couples could then choose, if they wish, to seek marriage rites performed by their clergy. The whole subject made me wonder if there have been any lesbian Miss USAs or Miss Americas.
225. Donnie | 04.20.09
My daughter was in the Miss Arkansas Pageant 4-5 years ago and was asked similar questions in the interview portion of the pageant. When she answered from a Biblical conservative standpoint, she never had a chance. What a shame to have a beauty pageant framed around sexuality!
226. Dak | 04.20.09
All of you who are saying “just because you don’t agree with her opinion doesn’t make it wrong”, sorry, you’re wrong. Her opinion is wrong. Just like the opinions of people who believed that blacks weren’t real people, or that races shouldn’t intermarry, or that the mentally handicapped should be killed, or that slavery is justifiable. Her opinion is wrong, and, although I know you don’t want to admit it, all of you who think that gay marriage is wrong, are wrong. Future generations will look back on you as disdainfully as we do to the generations of slavery and segregation.
228. nic | 04.20.09
It is so strange that gay activists can’t see their obvious bias
———
No need to throw out blanket statements here. If you read the posts, you’ll see a vast majority of us (gay rights activists) think this is absurd and borderline tyranical.
229. Justas Birgiolas | 04.20.09
This will only encourage the future Miss USA contestants to give the PC answers instead of what they really think (I’m sure at least a few of them actually CAN think)
230. pm | 04.20.09
so many lost people in this country. overly politically correctiveness has been blown out of proportion with ignorance of self “reality” .
i for one would stand by this womans side and cheer her on just because she stood by her beliefs and that is what a true american is about.
sad day when the homosexual bs takes over even the miss america pageant.
you want to be gay then go be that way. but stop pushing the bs into everything around you.
231. AdGam | 04.20.09
The pathetic, Neanderthal meat market euphemistically called “Miss USA Pageant” is nothing more than a chauvinistic, misogynistic ritual objectifying women in the era when women are trying to gain a role of an equal partner in a society historically prejudiced against them. Show me one example of a similar pageant featuring MEN. It is embarrassing to think that women still have to take their clothes off to gain a place in the society. How is that different from prostitution?
No wonder the women who get duped into performing for this ritual are dumb - who else would want to do that to themselves? Miss California’s answer was off the subject, and stupid - in the same sentence she both states “We live in a land where you can choose” and “a marriage should be between a man and a woman”. Well, which is it - can you choose, or should it be the way the christian right tells you it should be? Stupidity is very dangerous. I’m glad she was not rewarded for hers.
232. Greg Morgan | 04.20.09
How will homosexual states cope with all the law suits because gay and lesbian people get to go to jail with their marry-ables while heterosexuals are sent to sepearte jails and prisons? Why do gays and lesbians think they should get extraordinary rights?
233. Marcl | 04.20.09
I sure hope that the people fighting against discrimination against homosexuality aren’t discriminating against her for her beliefs. That would be awfully hypocritical
234. Mike S | 04.20.09
Why did they ask the question “why or why not” if they did not want to hear the opinion.
236. chicago south side | 04.20.09
News flash to Perez Hilton >
The PEOPLE of CALIFORNIA already answered this question back on November 4th when by a strong percentage the PEOPLE of California VOTED > No gay marriage
A LARGE majority of Barak Obama’s strongest supporters also strongly voted AGAINST legalizing gay marriage in California > blacks.
FACT > 17 states have cast votes by the people on gay marriage.
FACT > EVERY one of those 17 states the PEOPLE voted ‘NO’ to gay marriage
The voice of the people prevails inspite of some extremist rogue judges who ignore the voice of the people in democratic voting process.
237. Casey | 04.20.09
I agree that the final group of questions ran the gamut from controversial social/economic to more personal and less controversial questioning(question regarding bailout money was not an easy question to answer and depended heavily on personal opinion). I also merit Miss California’s strong stance on what many call such a ‘personal’ belief. However, she isn’t gay, and any gay marriages would not affect her personal life what so ever. What confuses me is how deeply personal this is for her being a heterosexual? Just because it is against her personal/religious beliefs does not mean it will affect her actual personal life. I do not agree with everything in the Koran or the Bible, but it is not to say that I wouldn’t allow those believers to have a right to their religious freedoms, beliefs, and opinions. The kicker here is she isnt gay and planning or hoping to have equal protection and rights under the laws of our free and “equal” country. She has a right to her opinion as she has a right to her beliefs, marriage benefits and the taxation and social economic benefits that it includes. However, being gay, I only have a right to an opinion, not to equal protection/rights simply because narrow minded people like Miss California feel uncomfortable with something that has no impact on their personal lives. Tolerance and disagreement of personal and religious beliefs help to build this great country (why else did the Pilgrims flee their home lands? They wanted the freedom to believe what they wanted and live the lives they choose). Denying equal protection, taxation and social rights under federal law is bigotry disguised as religious beliefs. She certainly could have stated that she personally does not agree with same sex marriage, but it isnt her right to judge others and their actions. This is a free country, free to choose, but not free to hate.
238. T Payne | 04.20.09
The Miss America contest ranks right up there with wwf as something to keep America’s whitetrash distracted from real issues.. this mindless republican broodsow in waiting is just parroting what she has been inculcated with.. what did you expect.. a treatise on economics?
239. newdognew | 04.20.09
Amazing how cowardly people are these days. They would rather sell their beliefs down the river than to stand up for what they believe is right. As far as gay rights are concerned you should be able to have sex with anyone that you want to. If you believe that marriage is a biblical issue then that is your world…if not then not. When you study ancient Roman civilization, the last hammer to fall was that of sexual indiscretion. Gay’s don’t take rejection well because they are constantly at odds trying to accept themselves. So when someone else rejects them it just pushes them over the edge. Miss California did that which is honorable and not popular. Popularity may make you acceptable for a while but truth lasts forever and is seldom popular.
240. Joseph Michaud | 04.20.09
I’m going to start out by saying I’m indifferent about gay marriage… I’m really neither for, nor against it. If my arm was twisted, I’d probably say I see nothing wrong with two people to form the bond regardless of sexual orientation.
But I back Miss California in her comments, and believe if there’s any discrimination involved, it’s against her. For the pageant to come out against her ‘opinion’ is pretty bad faith in my humble opinion.
She was asked her opinion, and she gave it. Further, she didn’t say she was ‘against’ it really… She just said it was her own person values that would preclude answering ‘yes’. So what?
241. S.R.W.H. | 04.20.09
Well she spoke what she believed in. Criticize her all you want to, but this woman choose to NOT be a hypocrite who believes in something and says something else. What she did is worthy of praise.
242. Deb L | 04.20.09
Congratulations on free speech. Honesty is the right policy? This probably cost her the crown but it is encouraging to see that America still has people with ethical values and will not compromise them. I hope she gets into politics. We need honest people with ingetrity in the office.
What’s so interesting to me about this debate gay marriage is that many gays DO NOT THINK it should be legal. They have the legal rights to form a partnership. If they want to be married, find a church that will do it. It is a RELIGOUS CEREMONY or use to be. Maybe that’s the answer. A legal union vs. a marriage.
Anyway,
Congrats to you again.
243. tonyp | 04.20.09
Why can’t people have an opinion in this country anymore. It makes me sick to think that we have to be sheep, we have to go along with the popular stance of the moment, like gay marriage. Why should she be punished for her beliefs… I thought we lived in a free country, maybe now we all have to start believing what the celebrities think… because it seems they run things around here!
244. rickb928 | 04.20.09
If you don’t want to hear the answer, don’t ask the question.
Perez’s statement, ““She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that,” Hilton told ABCNews.com”, tells me that future pageant contestants will want to know that if their own political or religous views clash with the judges, that will be enough to send them home losers. Frankly, I do not know what the stated criteria are for a winning Miss USA-California, but it’s apparently not that they have no opinion - just that they have the ‘right’ opinion. Which makes sense in a sad, narrow way.
The Pageant’s co-Executive Director’s response that the answer was priceless: “Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family”. Sir, would you entertain the prospect that politics may have no place in the Miss USA CA Family? Or more appropriately, you sir seem ready to exclude those who disagree with you from your pageant. So discrimination is ok so long as it’s for a good cause…?
245. Tom Pedersen | 04.20.09
Well, she doesn’t need more support. But this certainly proves that we are no longer the America of our forefathers…only leftists need express themselves. My only meaningful action is to make sure I never watch the pageant again, never again buy any product advertised on it, never watch a program involved in any way with Mr (?) Hilton and search out any product or activity in which Carrie is involved and purchase those products and promote and purchase tickets for any activity.
246. Mary | 04.20.09
Isn’t it awful that we live in a country that the media and uneducated, ignorant celebrities control so much of what we hear and see? Isn’t it time that we gave the boot to slobs like Perez Hilton? What ever happened to an educated, well thought-out point of view? Did Perez Hilton even graduate from high school? Does he read newspapers, journals or anything besides Star and People? Why have the American people allowed celebrities to control their thoughts? Beauty and glamour are so fleeting and lack substance. Lets wake up, and start thinking intelligent thoughts!
247. David | 04.20.09
Hmmm. I wonder if all the right wing locos here would be so proud of Miss CA and sticking up for free speech if she had lost the crown for saying “people should be allowed to marry sheep if they wanted to.” It would have been even more politically incorrect, yet I am pretty sure that the righties would be calling her a lunatic for speaking her mind and calling for a boycott of California.
You know who you are…
It’s pretty easy to stick up for Freedom of Speech when it agrees with your own twisted opinions.
248. Shphunk | 04.20.09
Ok, so she said something that in my opinion is ignorant and hateful, but who cares. If that is what somebody believes, they have every right in the world to believe it, even if it makes them a bad person.
In reality, they asked a question that was bias. There are two answers to that question, 1) I don’t believe in same sex marriage, 2) I agree with same sex marriage. If only one answer was acceptable, why ask the question?
What do you expect anyway? California just passed prop 8, showing that a majority of people don’t like same sex marriage, is it surprising that a woman from California then believes this? Nope!
249. Paul | 04.20.09
I think she is entitled to her opinion, free speech and all. I also think that it is perfectly fine for her to lose the competition for sharing that opinion. There are a lot of homosexual citizens in California, she is supposed to represent them and she failed to do that.
It is possible to be against religious same-sex marriage and yet for civil same-sex marriage. She could have said that, based on her religion, she believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, but that based on the state and federal constitution’s principles of equality (see fourteenth amendment) she believes that gay couples should be granted civil marriages. Instead, she ignores the American principle of equality and let’s her religion wholly dictate her answer, thus she loses the competition. Freedom of Speech does not mean that you can say anything and still win the competition or get the job.
250. GOOD JOB!!! | 04.20.09
YOU GO GIRL!! IM PROUD OF YOU!
I HOPE SHE WINS FOR BEING SO HONEST AND SPEAKING THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
251. pawprints | 04.20.09
Why ask a question if there is only one answer? Have we strayed so far from freedom of speech and freedom of religion that we all have to swallow and regurgitate the same politically correct garbage, or be penalized - even in a beauty pageant? Some of us sincerely believe marriage is a sacred and holy institution, and we also sincerely believe God, not man, lays out the parameters for that sacred institution. And it those parameters include one man and one woman. To try to force us to pretend we believe otherwise, or bully us into the same, violates our freedom of religion. So we will vote out conscious. We may loose the vote - and that’s democrary. But do not ask us to pretend to believe what we do not - do not tell us we cannot follow our religous convictions or be penalized. That is not (or should not be) America. Kudos to Ms. North Carolina. She is a winner in my book.
252. L W | 04.20.09
Please. If this woman had stood up there and said she was in favor of segregation, you’d all be lining up to hang her. If you don’t think the comparison is valid, you’re not thinking logically.
253. MAD | 04.20.09
THE problem is with the judge not the answer, a gay man should never be alowed to judge a womans beauty contest. Shame on you Hilton for thr face you made after the answer and the trouble you will cause a woman for an honest opinion. God Bless you Ms. California.
254. Norris Low | 04.20.09
This is just the beginning. The general public is going to be run over with the mainstreaming of homosexuality. It’s going to transform every aspect of our society.
Just anther step in the decline of the American experiment.
255. Jim | 04.20.09
The gay activists have stepped up their rhetoric lately labeling anyone who disagrees with them as a racist, and a bigot…
they need to back off…however, if history is any guide they wont.
Everyone should be entitled to an opinion w/o having to worry about getting attacked like that…it’s very poor form.
256. Dan J. Case | 04.20.09
I congratulate Mr. Prejean on her apparent ability to speak in complete sentences. She’ll be a great spokesmodel for the local businesses in her hometown someday soon.
258. david | 04.20.09
OMG…finally a woman with convictions, personality and balls….and in a pagent at that…..way to go ms. ca
259. Frank Adamo | 04.20.09
In his type of language Mr. Perez is a dumb ***. Whatever happen to free speech and a tolerance open thoughts. I’m so proud of Miss California stating her belief even though the question was extremely political and should not been asked.
260. Phil Buchannon | 04.20.09
Who the **** is Perez Hilton? Why should we care what he thinks. Why should we care about the pageant? Why has the alleged news media led with this non-story all day? What does it all say about us? Nothing positive, that’s for sure.
261. tomm | 04.20.09
What if she had said “I believe black people should not be allowed to marry white people…” That might have been accepted 100 years ago.
Think America, Think… don’t just accept what religion hands out. They have been wrong on so many things for so many years….
262. Bill | 04.20.09
Yeah. She’s entitled to her opinion. So I’m guessing that if she had won, you all would be happy with a bigot as Miss America?
263. BB | 04.20.09
Sorry, folks, overall her answer made no sense…very similar to Ms. So. Carolina of geography fame. Carrie began with how we are free in America to choose either marriage or opposite marriage (huh?) before stating her personal belief. I agree it would be improper for the judges to hold her personal opinion against her but they would be correct to give a low grade for her overall response. Of course, I didn’t hear the other contestants so I don’t know how she compared.
264. Keith | 04.20.09
I don’t care that she doesn’t agree with gay marriage, even though I personally don’t have a problem with it. What strikes me as interesting is that while she says she doesn’t believe in gay marriage (the only reason has to be morality, that is the ONLY argument against gay marriage) how moral is it of her to parade around the stage in skimpy outfits as look ******? Once again, hypocracy at its finest. The girl is entitled to her opinion, but she needs to be called out for the incredible irony.
265. Andy | 04.20.09
Can’t say I agree with her opinion, but kudos for her standing up for what she believes in!
266. charles manning (manning120) | 04.20.09
#193, # 157 said it — the young lady was wrong: our land does NOT allow everyone the freedom to choose same-sex marriage. That being said, I sense that somebody cynically chose to confront the young woman – really, a child – with something inappropriate in the context of a beauty pageant that might provoke an intolerant response on the part of some advocates of same-sex marriage, as a way of discrediting gays. The answer was honest and admittedly an expression of the indoctrination she received. Her lack of anger, and her willingness to accept that people may disagree with her, was more important to me that the substance of what she said (which in my opinion was morally and factually wrong). Give her some time to go beyond indoctrination.
267. James | 04.20.09
First, why is Perez Hilton judging this pageant, or anything like it?
And to whoever allowed the question, shame on you. How inappropriate.
268. Ernie The Marine | 04.20.09
Way to go Carrie ! Stick by your guns ! There are many many more of that believe the way you do….it is just too bad that WE do not open our mouth to say what we believe in. Sempter Fi !!!
269. Eddie | 04.20.09
I’m gay and I agree with her. I am tired of the “gay rights” activists and the left using “gay marriage” as a litmus test to being a good American. Marriage is between a man and a woman, period!!!
270. Bob | 04.20.09
The question should not have been asked. It is not the right forum to discuss gay marriage or abortion or Fox News’s tea-bagging parties! But still I am dismayed how virulently negative and anti-gay the majority of posts here over the question-that-shouldn’t-have-been-asked…. The pageant is the gay male’s equivalent of superbowl. There’s no need to put them down any further than what they’ve already been through with Prop 8…
271. steve sauer | 04.20.09
I find it a bit ironic that when the Jimmy Orr dragged out that old Miss South Carolina quote he referred to the pageant as “the Miss Tean USA pageant”.
“Tean”? ever heard of spell-check, Mr. Snarky? Maybe some nations such as Africa and uh, the Iraq, don’t have dictionaries…
272. avocadonecktie | 04.20.09
Miss CA said something remarkable: “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage.” In only 8% of these United States do you have that choice.
273. Ken Buck | 04.20.09
I don’t understand the title of your blog, “Miss California sparks outrage over gay marriage remarks”. Seems to me the “outrage” is over the idiot judge’s remarks, not to mention his intolerance, insensitivity, and obtuseness.
274. Patrick | 04.20.09
So… what I don’t understand is why everyone is even talking about this. I am a gay man and I was a little offended by her comments. But, just because I don’t agree with her opinion doens’t mean she isn’t entitled to it. Obviously her opinion wasn’t the “right” answer to give if she wanted that crown, so she gave up the crown. NEWSFLASH!!!! Her choice everyone! No one will remember her name in 30 days anyway.
275. ProudCalifornian | 04.20.09
I am so proud of Miss California! I loved both of the top two winners, Miss North Carolina and Miss California, but when I heard Miss California’s very brave answer to a very biased and hypercritical audience and judges, I changed my vote to Miss California! She is one of my daughter’s favorite role models now! There is a difference between legalizing immorality and allowing adults to make their own choices without forcing that immoral behavior on the moral majority. Our society will be so hurt if homosexual marriage is legalized. Moral sponsored adoption agencies will have to close because they would be forced to go against their moral beliefs otherwise, just to name one example.
I understand that those who are immoral desperately want to force their immorality to transform it into morality, Bad to become good and good to become bad, but we as a nation need to continue to be heard that we are not going to stand for it, We are “One Nation Under God” and just because you want it to be, doesn’t make it right. Of course I believe we need to be heard and understood in a polite and respectful way, not like how some homosexual groups have terrorized and vandalized so many good and moral people, families, churches, and temples.
276. Leo | 04.20.09
You guys got this all wrong… The question was not, whether or not she believed in Gay people getting married, the question was does she think more states should legalize it… “She basically says, I think its great that we get to live in a country that has choice…”…. So if she thinks it is such a great land that people get to choose, how come gay people cant choose to have the same rights a heterosexual marriage would have???… What she said was an Oxymoron… I respect her opinion that she was raised the way she was, but dont start off the answer by saying, she is happy to be in a country with choice, but if it was up to her family’s views, gay people wouldnt have CHOICE…
277. lymi | 04.20.09
I find it highly curious that Ms. Prejean was the only one asked that question. It’s almost as if the judges knew what her answer would be and asked the question to test her integrity. If that was the only reason for denying her the crown then shame on the homopros (opposite of homophobes) who think there is only one right answer.
I certainly agree with Miss CA.’s answer and would like to have people stop calling straight people as bad just because they don’t happen to agree with them. What was that phrase about calling evil good and good evil?
278. David Ostroske | 04.20.09
Couple of things going on here.
First, the issue of integrity. Congratulations to Miss California for not changing her honest answer, whether or not her views are correct. It’s not always easy to adhere to your principles, especially in the face of those who can be critical of your judgments. We can learn that from her.
Second, her views. I don’t think they’re correct. Government marriage is just a contract. Real marriage belongs to the hearts of those lovers who vow to live their lives together, and do so. And she, like too many other people in this country, is threatened by the thought of homosexuals getting married, threatened for irrational reasons that cause them no real harm.
So she deserved to lose. But she deserves credit for not compromising in the face of opposition. By her personal grace, she sets the standard for everyone else in the country who wishes to take the “Let Live” out of the all-American ideal of “Live and Let Live.” A real civil lady, with uncivil views, can still be civil.
279. bananajoe | 04.20.09
why does marriage have anything to do with the law anyways? marriage has originated as a religious ritual. it is purely religious. somewhere down the line it got intermingled with the government. the paper the government gives you isn’t what binds a couple together. it’s the ritualistic symbolism the two share belief in… so here’s what you do if you’re gay… find a gay people religion… and be bound with your partner… the problem is fighting for this word “marriage”… like i said… “marriage” is an ancient ritual… and sorry… ritualistically speaking that is done between a man and woman… asking people to recognize your “marriage” is asking people to redefine their religious views as to what that ritual is. but what do i know… i’m just bananajoe.
280. seana | 04.20.09
I think Miss California showed a great deal of courage and character in making her answer to a person who was clearly trying to force her to go along with his party line and influence others to do the same. Clearly he was out of line and the pagent officials should be removing him rather than attacking a candidate who had the moral courage to stay true to her ideals.
This is still the United States of America- and in this country- people have a right to have an opinion and state it even if it is not atheisitic or liberal. I’ve often thought the term “liberal” is strange since there is nothing open- minded about so-called liberals. I agree with Miss California and I am proud of her and, to my mind, she won the contest.
I once lost a Rhodes Scholarship because I had campaigned for the first Bush. A group of “judges” told me I was “by far the best candidate”, but that they “did not agree with my politics” I am not sorry, and I went to Oxford anyway…on a scholarship that was fairly adminstered and based on academic merit, not on race, or on the political agenda of those making the selection, in other words, a fairly administered scholarship.
I wish Miss California great things in her future and hope that everyone who sees this story is inspired by her example.
281. Nick in SF | 04.20.09
I may not agree with her position, but I do not think she should have been penalized for stating her opinion. That question should never have been asked.
282. Franklin L | 04.20.09
I am shocked that this young lady was so criticized for stating her deeply held beliefs, she is truly a hero to me, with so much to lose she retained her
dignity!!!!
283. Don | 04.20.09
Doesn’t anyone get it? She was set up, but she also failed to work “world peace” into her answer, so bye-bye. Seriously, these pageants question and answer sessions have always been about sickly sweet answers, especially inclusive, “we are the world” answers, so why is anyone surprised that this answer was rejected?
284. edward28 | 04.20.09
I have no problem with her expressing her opinion. We live in a country where you’re entitled to free speech. It was a question that shouldn’t have been asked a beauty pageant, I admit, but my problem is that she states that this is how she was raised. I’m not saying that she wasn’t raised well, but my problem is that people don’t expose themselves to different ideas or opinions. They excuse themselves for believing a certain idea or not even excuse themselves, but believe wholeheartedly in a specific idea because that’s how they were raised. I was raised in a certain environment that was more conservative, but when I was exposed to other people who held other views then what I was raised with, my opinions and ideas evolved. That is what life is all about—the evolving of opinions and ideas and the inclusion and acceptance of everyone. Why does it effect your life if the definition of marriage is expanded to include two same-sex people who love each other? Most answer that it goes against the bible, but a simple question most ask is, “Would Christ treat a person this way?” Christ accepted everyone. He was about love, not discrimination and hate. Why discriminate against? I believe that may be the most unchristian thing you can do.
285. foreigner | 04.20.09
I see a lot of support for Carrie for saying what she believes in. I wonder why only a few support white supremacists and holocaust deniers??…after all they are standing firm on their beliefs.
286. Dale | 04.20.09
#257 “One shouldn’t bite hand that feeds you.”
Bullseye!
The male gay community appreciates and supports this type of pageantry. Why kick them in the teeth?
287. Bonita Flakes | 04.20.09
She spoke her mind, and stated her beliefs. That’s admirable, and absolutely her right. Personally, I don’t agree with her opinions, but that’s fine too. Managing to results of conflicting opinions in a civil courteous manner is what we call “being an adult” in some circles.
To those who keep raging about her impinged “freedom of speech” - I think you may be a bit confused. She did (and still does) have every right to her opinions, and should be able to express them freely. That doesn’t mean that everyone doing so can scream “freedom of speech” and suddenly have a magical force field that insulates them from the results of, or the responsibility for their statements and actions… that’s ALSO part of being an adult.
One thing that constantly puzzles me is how Hilton manages to make a career of sorts, by being nothing but bitter and bitchy… most puzzling is that he continues to have an audience.
288. HanK | 04.20.09
Everyone have the freedom to choose. Miss CA included.
I appreciate her honesty and people should leave it at that.
I don’t know what is the big deal.
289. Glenn | 04.20.09
It’s wonderful that she answered with the truth about how she felt. The thing that is confusing here is that there are a lot of comments about free speech but at the same time denegrating Hilton for using his right to free speech. What is that about. Both of them have the right to say what they think. There is no requirement that they agree.
290. Andrew | 04.20.09
If this odious Perez Hilton character (of whom I have never heard) asked her the damn question he can hardly complain when she answered it honestly. Would he have preferred it if she’d lied? That said I expect that according to the warped logic of a man like him lies are more immoral than sexual promiscuity and denying one’s political and religious beliefs for the sake of self-advancement. That man is what’s wrong with America.
291. Chuck | 04.20.09
I agree that I would rather have people feel free to share a dissenting opinion than people who lie about what they believe because they are in fear for their life, liberty, or pursuit of their own happiness. That answering as she did demonstrated she has more courage and personal integrity than an organization that would ask such a question if only to sabotage the contestants.
Way to go Perez, right up there with the Bush administrations definition of legal interrogation technique.
292. Alan | 04.20.09
What kind of a country are we becomming when someone is asked for their opinion and they are then condemed because it is not the answer that the other person wanted to hear. How sad.
293. aak | 04.20.09
I agree with the solid comments at numbers 35, 156, 157, and 167. There are two civil rights in question here, freedom of speech for Miss California, and freedom from discrimination for gays.
Miss California’s right to freedom of speech was not really restricted. She got to say what she wanted and her only punishment was a greatly reduced chance of winning an award from this particular judge.
Seems to me that for most people here right and wrong is determined by what is popular general opinion at the time. Consider if she added in the comment that she also doesn’t believe in inter-racial marriage. How many people in this forum would be saying “you go girl” then? By the way, there was also a time when certain types of low intelligence people would have said that inter-racial marriage was the next step to inter-species marriage.
Lastly, whether Miss USA pageant contestants should be judged by their views on current civil rights issues is a different and much less important topic.
294. Bob | 04.20.09
Wasn’t just a couple of years ago that one of the beauty pagent contestants was in trouble for having racy pictures taken with another woman, and now you find a wholesome, heterosexual girl who stands up for her beliefs and she is all but disqualified.
295. AMERICA the FREE | 04.20.09
Isn’t everyone entitled to his or her own opinion? Back to basics people, tolorence, stop pushing the minority gay agenda. The people of America have spoken and accept the fact that marraige is defined as between a man /woman. simple. The truth will set you free
296. mamasho | 04.20.09
I have never been prouder of a young lady in a pageant. It is NOT about what her answer was - it is about she spoke from a place of conviction. As a teacher I find it really refreshing that this young lady was willing to take a stand that most likely would cost her everything. I salute your integrity, Young Lady. You are a breathe of fresh air. You are beautiful inside and outside. How rare a gem you are today! I hope we see more of you.
mamasho
Everyone seems to be forgetting that Ms. NC’s answer was not a great answer. I am from SC and was embarrassed for NC when she answered. She did not articulate well. She is also a beautiful girl but her heart did not connect with hearts. I am a teacher and even I would have said more than just education and welfare.
Hmmm, I also see a future for Ms. California on Fox News maybe.
297. Scott | 04.20.09
Marriage is between a man and a woman! Way to stand up and be counted Carrie Prejean!
I guess if Perez disagrees with Carrie’s viewpoint, he would send her to ****…
But wait… Perez probably doesn’t believe in ****… so doesn’t have any response but to rip into Miss California answer with a sad diatribe. Too bad 
298. sam | 04.20.09
Mr. Orr,
I take issue with your use of the word “articulate” in describing Ms California’s answer. Speaking of same sex marriage or “opposite marriage” is an awkward statement to say the least. In this county, we all have the right to our opinions, but not all of us have the right to the option of marriage, a point she blundered through until speaking of her own family values and stance. She did not articulate her response to the question in a direct manner at all.
299. Oldtimer | 04.20.09
Go back 50 years, substitute “mixed-race” for “same-sex”, and every single comment on this board would be timely. Go back a few years more and it could be “Catholic-Protestant”. Go back far enough and it could be “aristocrat-commoner”. Ahhh, to go back to the days when nobody could marry no one. I’d be a lot happier man if someone had prevented me from making that mistake.
300. HarrisburgGuy | 04.20.09
Wow people, almost everyone in here is absolutely polarizing both the Left and the Right. Hypocrites!
If you say “Well all the Right wants to do is force their religious beliefs on us” then you’ve just generalized an entire group just because they’re registered Republicans.
If you say, “The Left always complains about equal rights and compassion, but they don’t tolerate anyone who doesn’t agree with them,” then you’ve just generalized an entire group of people that are registered Democrats just because of a few annoying loudmouths like Perez Hilton (who seriously needs a dose of shutthef***up).
Listen to the many people who’ve commented so far that Perez Hilton does not represent the GLBT community. Likewise, listen to the Christians in here and Republicans who actually do side with lesbians and gays, and are sick of being classified with intolerant members of the GOP.
Honestly, this question should not have been asked of Miss California, Perez. You’re just hurting your cause more than helping it. You do NOT represent us gays. Your influence lies in the pages of teenie-bopper celeb gossip magazines and gossip blogs, not the political spotlight.
301. Casey | 04.20.09
Keep the word ‘Marriage’ along with religious beliefs in church. Civil Unions for all when pertaining to government/civil matters. Seems pretty equal, free, fair, American to me? Last time I checked over 1,100 civil inalienable rights are not granted to same-sex relationships. Shouldnt all hard-working, tax-paying Americans receive equal taxation rights?
302. aak2 | 04.20.09
The question was about the position that the government should take on gay marriage, not about her personal beliefs. One can differentiate between the two. I think she dodged the question or at least gave an unclear answer.
Great articulate comment @285 foreigner.
303. TomW | 04.20.09
She is entitled to her opinion and so are the judges since they asked for it. I learned long ago if you might not like an answer, don’t ask the question. My objection is to her poor use of English: “I think I believe…” Either you believe it or you don’t.
304. Jiminy Cricket | 04.20.09
Well, shows what I know. I first came across the name of “Perez Hilton” last night and just assumed it was some odd woman trying to take the spotlight off of Paris Hilton by assuming a similar name. Who is he anyway?
Ok, so speaking for the State of Vermont and, as I’m sure all those out there who view their world through media-colored glasses will now assume I’m a lefty tree hugging liberal commie vegan, let me just say that while I was raised IN MY FAMILY to be liberal minded which IN MY FAMILY was the equivalent of being open-minded, and the main thing to be intolerant of is intolerance and dogma, I am just as aghast as the rightist viewpoints expressed here as I am at both the question being raised and the judges reaction to it.
We now live in a society where we all are condemned to hold political opinions about everything. “Condemned” because it is bordering on the inhumane in our thinking that we all must be like little self-contained countries, with policies on everything imaginable. It’s crazy. So the result of course is something absurd like this, where the producers of Miss USA, in order to make it more “relevant” (most likely in the face of feminist criticism) offer up the “brains” of the women by giving them current events topics to “discuss”. There are other ways of course to show brains rather than being like a politician. So, this whole thing is a huge straw dog.
I’m sorry she was asked the question. And I don’t particularly agree with her answer, but then I don’t believe it’s as simple as belief or not belief in what marriage is. And it certainly should not be construed as a question of “gays being intolerant”. The show is not run by gay people. There weren’t a panel of gay judges, altho I’m sure there were some. It’s a cultural thing and that isn’t easy to look at. It’s like looking into a hall of mirrors. And I’m sorry she probably lost, although I really didn’t pay any attention to this thing until it hit the news and I was dumb enough to click on the headline to read about it.
In other words, I couldn’t care less. And why, I ask, should anyone other than to voice their personal country’s platform?
305. Tea | 04.20.09
A bigot is a bigot, no matter how you slice it.
I wonder what Miss CA’s answer would have been if they asked, “So, Carrie, what do you think of a black man marrying a white woman?”
Would all of you still be with her if she replied, “Not in my country”?
306. David | 04.20.09
Perez Hilton used her to promote his homosexual agenda. The whole pagent should be disqualified and done over without him. I agreee with others, this is more fixed now than professional wrestling. The contenders, however are prettier to watch.
307. Barak | 04.20.09
I’m gay. In fact, I’m professionally gay — I work for a gay rights organization. And while her answer was inarticulate (no, gay people — at least for now, in California — can most definitely NOT choose marriage), WHY was that question ever approved? Honestly, Perez, who CARES what she thinks? She answered honestly, and while I may disagree with her and will fight her ilk tooth and nail, she gains a certain amount of respect for that.
That said, for all of you talking about how “wholesome” she is — why is it more “wholesome” for a man to marry a woman instead of another man? I go home every night to my husband… we cook dinner.. we take the dog for a walk.. we pay our taxes… we recycle… we spend weekends helping my mom. You know not of what you speak.
309. JDM | 04.20.09
I have read a lot of people complaining about a first amendment violation, but the only person who seems to understand the first amendment is Laura in response 86.
The very fact that we are reading (and talking about) her comments is proof that her first amendment rights have not been violated.
She was not trying to get a government job, she is running in beauty pageant put on by a private organization.
Please, read the constitution before you start talking about rights violations. If you believe that her rights are being violated because of a public outrage at what she said, then you are violating the rights of Hilton for being outraged with him. If you believe that her rights were violated because she did not win a beauty pageant that is judged completely subjectively, then get a grip. No one in America has the right to win a beauty pageant if the judges don’t like them. These judges do not swear to uphold any kind of law. This isn’t the Supreme Court; its American Idle.
“I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” -Voltaire
310. Jane | 04.20.09
She had a choice between pleasing God or pleasing Perez Hilton. Does anyone actually consider that a tough choice?
311. Oscar | 04.20.09
She contradicted herself. In effect, she said:
“I think it’s great that in our country we have a choice for same-sex marriage or opposite-sex marriage; however, I don’t think there should be a choice.”
Let her have her opinion, but she should figure out what it is first.
312. apple | 04.20.09
To me, she might have well said, “I believe that marriage should be between people of the same race. I was raised that way and that’s what I believe.” She has every right to believe that (if that was her belief), and people still do have every right to believe that, and many do. But the fact is, she didn’t really answer the question that Perez Hilton asked and part of her answer was wrong… people do not have a choice in most states in our country… they can only marry people of the opposite sex and thus, some Americans are disallowed by our government to marry the person they have chosen to be their life partner. While I come from a conservative, traditional family (my ancestors escaped from a Communist country, and so tend to be right-leaning), we all agree on the same thing: while many of us personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, this does not license us to force those beliefs on others. Violating one of the most fundamental tenets of our great country (the right to the pursuit of happiness) is something that happens in a Communist or Fascist country… it should not happen in America. Sorry, Miss California, you have nothing to be ashamed for by stating your beliefs (kudos to you) but you certainly do not and should not represent all of us (and kudos to you for accepting that).
313. Mario | 04.20.09
If you can’t represent the entire country, regardless of race, faith, religion or sexual orientation, then you don’t deserve to be Miss America. Period.
314. brian | 04.20.09
In the grand scheme of things, I guess it’s just a title. Evidently politics has become amore important factor than beauty in this pageant.
315. TheNYer | 04.20.09
Thank you Miss California for having the courage to answer such a question in the bold manner in which you did. Kudos to you. Hold your head high.
Many more of us should uphold our beliefs and be proud. Much of our society like to play to the “progressives” to further debase our country.
316. Anne | 04.20.09
The audience sounded pleased. IT is simply COMMON SENSE. Marriage is something not anything. THIS AGENDA IS COURTESY OF THE FATHER OF LIES - The destroyer.
317. Sambo | 04.20.09
In classic fashion a liberal gay activist inappropriately pushes his/her gay agenda in a setting that has nothing to do with gay rights.
Hats off for mamasho for stating it so well: the content of the question should not be judged, but more the conviction and articulation of the answer.
Now imagine if the sitation were switched!! The media and gays would be totally up in arms.
318. anya | 04.20.09
I’m sick to my stomach that there’s such a rally of support around this woman and her “right to voice her own opinion.”
Denying gay couples the right to marry does real and serious damage to good people’s lives. Period. It’s wrong. If you don’t have a full understanding of the problems it creates, I’m happy to discuss.
Don’t we draw a line when public statements, however “bold” they may be, are hateful and discriminating? For that I don’t applaud.
I stand up, and walk out.
319. RCB | 04.20.09
Nature tells us the answer to this one, marriage was designed in relation to pro-creation. It is unforunate that this is even being debated.
320. Cris | 04.20.09
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for freedom of speech, but I wonder if everyone would still be applauding her “standing up for what she believes in” if she had advocated a more unpopular view point, like, say she believed in race segregation or spoke against women’s rights to vote. I know it seems absurd nowadays to say such things, but that’s exactly my point: the topic here is human rights - freedom of speech and the right to be treated as equals under the eyes of the Law. I think in a few years speaking out against gay marriage will be as absurd as saying Hitler had it right all along. I’m not saying that anyone should be denied their right to speak their minds, I just think people are more understanding towards her because gay marriage is not yet a settled topic, like equality between men and women or between ethnic groups. Sexual orientation is (unfortunately, in my opinion) still a heated topic. I think if you are against gay marriage, don’t marry someone of the same sex. Simple as that. PS: Please forgive my grammar and my spelling. I’m not american, I don’t live in an English speaking country and I haven’t practiced in years.
321. Andy, California | 04.20.09
She the was set up by Perez to fail, she is definatly not his fav. However, she is miy fav now!!
322. Mark | 04.20.09
“no offense to anybody out there but… if you have a homosexual orientation you’ll just have to live your life as a second class citizen”.
323. Michael | 04.20.09
I know she is right and her view should not be critized by us. Mr. Hilton should learn a lesson here. The lesson is if you don’t have anything good to say you should not say anything at all.
324. Here’sTheIssue | 04.20.09
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other, We live in a land where you can choose beauty pageants or no beauty pageants. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a person shouldn’t be judged on appearance. No offense to anybody out there but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be not to judge people on appearance. Thank you very much.”
You don’t see me out there advocating banning beauty pageants, do you? Why not? Because it’s really none of my business. I find beauty pageants loathsome and despicable so I just don’t participate in them.
325. Canwegetsomecommonsenseplease | 04.20.09
It is plain to see that those who aggressively support homosexual marriage are anything but tolerant of the views of others. Case in point with the virulent anger aimed at the voters (free elections people)of California supporting Proposition 8 restricting homosexual marriage. Miss California was asked a politically loaded question and she gave her honest opinion. That is refreshing! You Go California Girl!!
326. NIKSTER | 04.20.09
good for you ms. prejean!
you stand for your opininon. ESPECIALLY in the face of the ohh so intolerant,
libs and progressives (WHO CERTAINLY ARE NEITHER)!!!
327. aak3 | 04.20.09
Valid comment @279 bananajoe.
I am solidly against discrimination of gays from being legally married. I am against the government choosing any one religion as a basis for it’s laws. I feel that a government union is something different than a religious one. Problem is that they share the same name and people who view marriage in the religious way are getting upset at people who view it outside the guidelines of their religion. I can understand gays wanting to use that name because of the warm feelings associated with the word marriage and the rituals around it. Consider though in comparison if another group that was not Christian wanted to have a holiday to celebrate the birth of their particular god calling it Christmas and mimicking the rituals of gift wrapping, trees with lights, Santa, etc. I imagine that Christians would be justified in saying to let the other group do what they want to celebrate their god, but not to give it the same name that Christians use because of that one important detail that is different.
The government could refer to legal marriage as something else like a personal union. That way Christians can still get married through the church and still have the legal benefits of being regonized by the government as being in a union. At the same time gays can also have the legal regonition and I doubt that as many people would vote down allowing gays to have a legal “union”. As for the religious and spiritual part, it’s up to the Vatican or whatever leaders of the religion in question.
Food for thought: I suppose that laws originate from values which originate from religious beliefs. How is it determined which values are considered relevant to the law and which others are considered purely religious values? Democratic process, popular opinion of the masses? What’s the criteria? Subjective measure of the level of harm to others?
329. Robin McMinn | 04.20.09
I think it is great that she had the courage to say what she believed instead of just saying what she thought the intolerant, politically correct crowd demanded.
331. wtobias | 04.20.09
i guess if she were to just lie about it she would have won, . i find it odd that one cant have there own personal views on issues like gay marriage. i personally don’t agree with it for myself but what someone else does who am i to judge
332. Bob Harttle | 04.20.09
The wrong person was punished. I saw the “clown” on TV when he bashed the young lady for her thoughts and her beliefs. Why not expell the real offender and restore the young lady’s rightful place. Shame, Shame,Shame
334. Homunculis | 04.20.09
What a brave young lady. Good for her. And why ask a contentious question like this in the first place if your not ready for the answer? This IS America, and Americans ARE entitled to differences of opinion. I hope a long and expensive lawsuit ensues personally. I imagine some bright young attorney can pour over the pageant policies and contrast this with the statements made by the judges and find a case. Be fun to watch anyway.
As for gay ‘marriage’..Gays can have civil unions. Whats wrong with that? Many Americans, religious, conservative, are all for it. Where it becomes contentious is when gay Americans want to redefine the English language and force acceptance with religions that find their behavior aberrant. Dont like it? Too bad. This is the world we live in, Christians, Muslims, Hindu, Sikhs are not going to welcome you with open arms as a gay couple. So get over it, stop whining, and go get a civil union. This whole argument seems so puerile to me.
335. Moderate Californian | 04.20.09
If Miss California were more intelligent, she easily could have answered the question with a short statement on the benefits of federalism and the freedom of every American to believe what they want and to work with others to shape society. Yes, it sounds ironic (she was honest with her beliefs, and look what happened to her), but such are the challenges of being a public figure in a diverse society.
Frankly, it doesn’t matter what she thinks about the subject. The question was a test of her intelligence and ability to think on her feet, and she clearly failed. She showed she is unable to be diplomatic and thus represent ALL Americans via inoffensive non-answers like most of our elected officials.
336. JKD | 04.20.09
Way to go California! It’s about time someone from the west stands up for what is right and what she believes, no matter what the cost! I heartily applaud her for sticking up for her beliefs and condemn the judge for asking such an unfair question and, then, for blasting her when she told how she felt. If he didn’t want her to express her true feelings, then he should have preceded the question with, “Now how do you feel about gay marriage? And by that, I mean, what’s the PC answer that will surely win you the crown and not offend the people who really matter - the homosexual community.” He wanted to stage a coop, not ask a good question. The jerk should never be allowed on that show again or in any other public forum if he’s going to set up people like that simply for a chance to win public outcry.
337. Sam Wilson | 04.20.09
The gay marriage bigots cost Miss California the Miss USA crown which she deserved to win.
So free speech only belongs to gay marriage advocates, differing viewpoints are to be discriminated against??
Gay marriage does not produce the next generation of children that our society will need in the future; they can do so only by using the opposite sex as animal objects for reproduction.
338. JD | 04.20.09
I have two women friends that are legally married to each other. Marriage is not only between a man and a woman and is not reserved for heterosexuals. I have no problem with Miss California expressing her beliefs, but the idea that the belief of one group of people can deny the rights of another group of people is abhorrent to me and has no place in a free society.
340. Raymond Cote | 04.20.09
Miss California stumbled over her answer, but it was a loaded question and part of the unending assault by homosexuals on human civilization so that their perversions should be deemed acceptable by law. The whole LGBT movement is an abberant show, symptomatic of a culture which is near its demise. Religious beliefs aside, legitimization of homosexuality is not in the best interest of humanity.
341. Tilda | 04.20.09
She says she “thinks that she believes…”? Is she too dumb to know her own opinion?
342. A Giant Slor | 04.20.09
Anyone who supports discrimination deserves to lose the Miss America competition, period. It’s too bad she hid her views during the Miss California competition - she shouldn’t have won that, either.
343. Rick | 04.20.09
The question was inappropriate and should never have been allowed. Don’t they check that stuff and have enough sense to weed out questions that could cause an unfair outcome? Actually that should apply to selection of judges as well as the questions. Hilton obviously lacks integrity and character. He had a responsibility to judge fairly and chose instead to advance his own agenda.
344. Karen Grube | 04.20.09
The directors of the Miss California pageant condemned her answer on Monday morning.
“As co-executive director of Miss CA USA and one of the leaders of the Miss CA family, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss CA USA 2009 believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman,” wrote Keith Lewis on Hilton’s blog. “Although I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit, I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone. Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family.”
345. Paul | 04.20.09
Ms. California was penalized because she gave a balanced but honest answer.
The majority of Americans agree with Ms. California, unfortunately most are more concerned about being politically correct than standing up for what they believe in. I have the utmost respect for Ms. California and she’s the
winner as far as I’m concerned. Perez Hilton has proven he’s a liability to the pageant and anything else he participates in. Hopefully he won’t get any more jobs on TV, I know I won’t be watching anything he’s in.
346. miss california | 04.20.09
yeah! if you don’t want true answer and stick to real than don’t ask the question - WHAT IS THE POINT.
I strong believe that miss california answered it correctly.
Marriage should be a man and a woman not same sex marriage.
347. sandi clisham | 04.20.09
YEA for you. You were the only one who had the b—s enough to speak your mind, regardless of how it was perceived. YOU WERE HONEST.
348. ms. california | 04.20.09
Perez Hilton is unfair judge. He probably give Ms. california a “0″
yes, marriage should be a man and woman. Ms. California is right.
Otherwise, this world will be chaos
349. Scott Play | 04.20.09
“Anyone who supports discrimination deserves to lose the Miss America competition, period. It’s too bad she hid her views during the Miss California competition - she shouldn’t have won that, either.”
Its not discrimination, its morals. Why is that hard to understand? The answer was so simple, and she got it right.
350. Kendra | 04.20.09
So it seems to me that another criteria has been added to the list of qualifications for the Miss USA pageant:
1. Be an attractive female size 6 or smaller
2. Be at least somewhat articulate
3. Have goals and aspirations
4. Be yourself and give honest answers
In fine print:
1. Forget being yourself, you’re only allowed give canned answers according to what the judges want you to say.
2. If you say something that differs from the views of the “tolerant” left, then your hopes of winning over and you might as well not enter the pageant.
By the way, brh, I’d like to know how you think her comment was “ignorant”?
351. Canwegetsomecommonsenseplease | 04.20.09
338. JD | 04.20.09
I have two women friends that are legally married to each other. Marriage is not only between a man and a woman and is not reserved for heterosexuals. I have no problem with Miss California expressing her beliefs, but the idea that the belief of one group of people can deny the rights of another group of people is abhorrent to me and has no place in a free society.
If this is the case then the judge who asked the question was just as lop-sided in his beliefs for attacking her honest opinion. It can’t go one way chik-a-dee. The judge should have stuck to a neutral “world-peace” question instead of trying to push a hateful, homosexual agenda.
352. Ms. Gophernek | 04.21.09
You know what . . Good for you girl. . . why should she sit back and say what YOU SCREWED Up People in this country want her to say. I believe exactly what she said. MARRRIAGE IS BETWEEN AND A MAN AND A WOMEN> thats why this country is gone to **** for all of your screwed up beleives this day and time. !!!
353. Christopher | 04.21.09
In the future, it would behoove the Miss California USA franchise to seek an individual who is more educated regarding the plight of millions of people who have been, and continue to be, systematically discriminated against. Second class citizens who pay first class taxes, along with everyone else, do not deserve a misguided and uniformed individual to represent them, whether in our government or as a cultural icon. Although **** generally Trump over brains in such events, one would think that as a country we would have evolved past those who shoot from the hip rather than from mindful consideration. Moreover, it is shameful that right wing christian hegemony continues to permeate and infect the body of society. Only when every brick from every church falls on every preacher, will civilization move forward. Until then, we will have to contend with the Carrie Prejudices of the world, and myopic but vocal individuals who defend such rot. In the meantime, Carrie needs to apologize for her insensitive and ignorant remarks, and in the true spirit of Miss USA, stick to comments encouraging peace and goodwill amongst ALL mankind.
354. Joe | 04.21.09
Thank God Miss North Carolina won. The last thing we need is homophobe spewing right wing hate rhetoric representing the United States in the Miss Universe Pageant. Haven’t we already lost enough respect in the world?
355. Rhonda | 04.21.09
A modern day Esther that is what Miss California is. Knowing it could cost her the very thing she was there for but willing to sacrafice it for the very thing she believed in - her convictions. Thank you Miss California for standing firm in your faith and convictions. I have no doubt that God has brought you to this place “Four Such A Time As This.” You have no doubt contributed to the salvation of those who believe in traditional marriage values.
It is such a shame that in a country for the “free and brave”, one can be so ostracized for not giving the “politically” correct answer versus her true beliefs.
You cry tolerance- where is yours? She has as much right to speak the truth as Hilton did to ask the question. Although, he should have never asked a question that, if not answered to his liking, would allow him to keep her from winning the crown- does that not disqualify him as a judge.
356. Natalie Heart | 04.21.09
Bravo to judge Perez Hilton to finally ask a question of substance! Why shouldn’t we know where the contestants stand on issues of importance today. The interesting thing is, had the question been asked as to whether Blacks should marry each other or Whites (which at one time they were not because of people who were raised and think, or rather don’t think, like Carrie Prejean, and she answered likewise in the negative, then the President himself would have commented. But when it comes to gays, she gets a pass? Sorry, but Carrie is wrong, and should have been disqualified for spewing hate.
357. GEJ | 04.21.09
I find it to be quite telling that (usually) the same people who protest so loudly that “marriage is not just between a man and a woman” become quiet as the proverbial church mouse when the question of polygamy is brought up.
It is not unusually to see the same people who applaud Vermont’s legalization of same sex marriage, nodding their heads in tacit approval of the raid on the FLDS ranch in El Dorado, Texas.
It seems that in today’s world, some “alternative lifestyles” are more equal than others.
Loosing her crown to bunch of hypocrites who are as intolerant of the views of others as they claim others are of them should be a badge of honor for Ms California. I’m sure she will wear it with pride!
358. James and Carol Graham | 04.21.09
We are so proud of you Miss California for speaking your true convictions and not backing off. We have raised our nine children to beleive as you do and to stand up for Jesus every chance they get, which we know you were doing. GOD bless and keep you. You are the true beauty inside and out.
We love you
359. deedee | 04.21.09
I wonder why there should be outrage over Miss California’s comments when there should be free speech and when she is telling her beliefs and telling her truth. The Gay community wants us to not speak up and not tell our feelings and truth when they tell their feelings all the time. A double standard if you ask me. What happened to free speech? I am behind Miss California al the way for telling how she feels.
360. NICEJOBHILTON | 04.21.09
I just want to take this opportunity to congradulate Mr Hilton for a Classy Response!!!!! I have got to say that Mr. Hilton is the perfect representaion for the Gay community!!!! Way to go Perez….. You sir are a CLASS ACT!!!!!
361. Patrick | 04.21.09
All these bigots and homophobes saying “Good for you Miss California” and “She stood up for her beliefs, well done” make me sick. Hitler stood up for his intolerant beliefs also, you gonna give him a thumbs up too?
362. Jessica | 04.21.09
I have never been more ashamed of a young lady in a pageant than Carrie Prejean of California. It indeed was about what her answer was - a place of ignorant “conviction,” rather than mindful intelligence. As a teacher I find it really sad that this young lady was willing to take a stand that is so backward, so hateful, and so vile. Fortunately, she lost everything, as well she should. I salute your integrity judge Perez Hilton for asking a question of substanc. As for Carrie, you are a stenche that violates the nation. You are ugly inside and outside. You are not the rare gem some misguided fools make you out to be, nor will you ever be anything but myopic and ignorant. We will all be better if we see, and especially hear, less of you. mamasho
Everyone seems to be forgetting that Ms. NC’s was comparatively a great answer. I am from SC and was proud when NC answered. She is an articulate, beautiful girl whose hearts connected with our hearts, a breathe of fresh air as compared to the truly despicable Miss California. I am a teacher and could not have answered better myself. Hmmm, I also see a future for Ms. North Carolina, but hopefully not on Fox News!
363. Kevin Henson | 04.21.09
It is enlivening to see so many people here supporting Miss California for expressing her honesty on a subject that is so contraversial. It is comforting to know there is still hope for America and its brilliant people. God Bless You All.
364. K. W. | 04.21.09
I heard a lot of people talk about gay rights. Some gay right organizations even compare them to the Civil Rights Movements. The point I am trying to make is that I don’t see any so called “Gay Rights supporters” speak out about the daily discrimation minority face every day with regard to job, education, housing or the substand about intercity living. To be very honest, sometimes when it comes to employment, a gay white person always get the ahead in comparsion to most non-whites. I just do see the point when gay people talking about “Gay Rights or Gay Marriage” when most of minority in American are left behind by the American Dream.
365. Rori | 04.21.09
She’s an idiot and all of you siding with her are as well. It is disgusting that CA is so lame about the issue of a basic civil right being afforded to all…Love Perez Hilton!
366. Prejean is Retarded | 04.21.09
Why doesn’t anyone acknowledge that her answer made no sense? First she said that America is great because it’s a place where people can choose gay or straight marriage. Then, in an act of mental retardation, she said that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
That’s retarded, no matter what your beliefs are. Even if you support bigotry against homosexuals, as Prejean apparently does, you can’t argue that she made any sense whatsoever, unless you’re as retarded as she is.
367. JaneLovesJesus | 04.21.09
I could easily ignore this story: I care neither about pageants nor ‘celebrities’ but …
are we all okay with people of faith, or simply people with traditional values being discriminated against in what is essential a employment opportunity? (and a lucrative one, in this case)
Are you okay with your children being denied college entrance? Scholarships? Employment? if they refuse to spout the PC party line?
I could also easily say it’s no skin off my nose if 2 men or 2 women want to do whatever but it is not an issue of who you can ‘love’ or what 2 (or more) people do behind closed doors. Can we not all see (regardless of our politics) that the expansion of gay politics is necessarily the contraction of freedom or speech and religion for everyone else?
368. Storm | 04.21.09
It’s very funny when straight people say gay people have no future, because they can’t reproduce. Wake up, straight people. We don’t need to reproduce. You produce us just fine, and you get stuck with the stretch marks.
Of course, we get stuck supporting your insurance payments, paternity leave, and school taxes, so it kind of evens out.
As for Miss Prejean, you shouldn’t worry too much about her. A conservative Christian beauty queen contestant who can barely string a coherent sentence together? She’ll be governor of Alaska in four years.
369. Dante | 04.21.09
We need more gay people in the world, as it is over-populated and there are too many starving children that adults don’t help as much as they could. Jesus said to give all your money and belongings to the poor. Nobody does….
370. Victor Poelzer | 04.21.09
So… there really is no difference between a horse, a mule, and a zebra? So why the contest?
371. mohd amin | 04.21.09
miss carrie expressed herself honestly. she should not be punished for it. it seems that pro same-sex marriage people are moving now from defending their acts and beliefs, to attacking and convicting straight-sex people.
372. Fan | 04.21.09
Perez’s rant was the typical liberal response, instead of making a convincing argument for gay marriage (and there are legit. arguments for gay marriage), he resorted to name calling.
I support Miss California’s response, and share her opinion.
373. Jersey- this woman is embarrassing | 04.21.09
Representing the United States of America, in any pageant/contest is an HONOR and being able to answer a question honestly and wholeheartedly without insulting anyone is a skill you MUST have. It is very apparent that this woman does not have what it takes, socially or intellectually, to represent our country. What you earn on paper is not that difficult, it’s how you apply it to real life thats important.
Her answer was by FAR embarrassing- it’s not about your personal belief, it’s about how you deliver the message. I really hope my family in Europe doesn’t hear about this one, it’s just another embarrassing event that I have to try and defend when I go visit them.
374. Jason | 04.21.09
She simply stated what she believes in…Good for her! Hopefully the rest of us can continue to do the same thing, thanks to the principles established when the USA was founded.
375. Concerned Citizen | 04.21.09
Bravo Miss California!!
You Go Girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
376. California Strait Guy | 04.21.09
I don’t like Perez Hilton, and not gay. I’m just glad I was raized differently, because we all know that is all we have, heaven forbid we use our own brains, or figure something out that I parents didn’t dictate to us. I’ve heard a lot people saying how tough the question was and how unfair it was.. I’m glad someone did ask a tough question now, instead of later after she was crowned and just made a much bigger fool of our Country by being so stupid. But honestly I do hope that this is not a trend where you ask important or relevant questions to these air head beauty show contestants, it really makes the rest of us look bad. She is on the world stage, just expected better than that, I’m not surprised she has supporters for being stupid, it seems people like that now.
377. Julian | 04.21.09
What if Miss CA said this?
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other,” she said. “We live in a land where you can choose same-RACE marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman OF THE SAME RACE. No offense to anybody out there but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman OF THE SAME RACE. Thank you very much.”
EVERYONE would have been outraged at her comment… except the bigots who agree, of course. I am pleased to see the media exposing the fashionable anti-gay bigotry in this country. It is becoming less and less acceptable every day for people to align themselves with ignorant fear and hate.
Love thy neighbor… unless it’s convenient to hate him.
378. Jim | 04.21.09
Congratulations to Miss California… With a comment like her’s, and her position on Gay Marriage, In my book she is the winner. Young girls need a role model and that is exactly what she is. America needs a Role model like Miss California! You can bet that God has bigger plans for Miss California than being Miss USA. Miss California is a girl who gets things done! With her comment toward this HOT Topic, She basically strapped on a pair of working boots and get the job done. CONGRATS!
379. David M | 04.21.09
It is amazing to me how the liberal leftists preach tolerance, but display complete intolerence to anyone who doesn’t agree with them. I applaud her for answering honestly, and she is not alone in her opinions. If Perez wants to get married…. he has the same rights as everyone else. Go find a good woman and propose to her!! Maybe **** get as lucky as I have.
380. brian | 04.21.09
This is a beauty pageant and the beauty has to come from inside and out. It does not say makeup not allowed. It does not say to bend your views towards the audiances likings. She was raised traditional views, Man and woman, mom and dad, BF GF. There is nothing wrong with that. The reaction from a gay society should not be hateful of this because I am sure you all have been exposed to or a part of the traditional marital relationship. If some feel upset about that then those issues come from within, not a superficial excuse. People that are not superficial and know a true heart(gay or not) would not have been upset of this perfectly acceptable statement from this contestant.
381. Lewis Adam | 04.21.09
The intolerant left supposedly evolved from the free expression, leave-me-alone, I’m not hurting anyone (except maybe myself, which is my right) movement. Now they espouse censorship, government mind control and anything but free expression. The liberals of the by-gone era have become the facists of today! Miss Califirnia had every right to give an HONEST answer! She should not have been judged poorly for an articulate answer because of the political views of the judge!
382. Imaginations99 | 04.21.09
That was amazing!!!!!!!!! Ms.CA. Today they are asking for same sex marriages which is so unnatural,biologically and scientifically incorrect. Tomorrow they will ask for rights to marry animals. Like some cults do. We have become a laughing stock for the world.
383. gus | 04.21.09
Is it just me, or am I only only one who thinks here statement contradicted itself?
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other….in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman.”
So which is it?
384. Riley | 04.21.09
If in fact, the Q&A is what lost her the title, it was not her view on marriage equality, but rather her lack of eloquence. Isn’t the latter what she is being judged on? She started her mouth before she engaged her brain. “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage” Really? We do? Not only a false statement, but if you watch the delivery it is very Palinesque.
385. Matt | 04.21.09
Why would you ask a question in which you already have one “right” answer in mind? Doesn’t that doom the responder from the start? I just think that’s poor on the judge’s part. If you don’t want to hear an answer that you might not like, don’t ask the question. If you really want to ask the question, be open to how it is honestly answered. That doesn’t seem so difficult.
386. Bill Carter | 04.21.09
What gives this man Perez the right to pass judgement about someone’s opinion or belief. As Americans we all have the right to our opinions and beliefs. He was asked to judge this pagent not to further his personal agenda. He has the right to believe being gay is right. Miss Prejean has the right to believe that marriage is between a woman and a man. His remarks and tirade after the show about her shows me he can’t accept someone else’s opinions and beliefs if they don’t fit his beliefs.
He should not be allowed to judge the pagent again because he is a predjuiced individual.
388. Johnzero | 04.21.09
I’m sorry… I think I missed something. Why are we still having these pagents?
389. Jennifer M. Blanton | 04.21.09
I am very proud of what Miss California, Carrie Prejean for her stand on her Christian biblical beliefs. God wants His people (Christians) to not be “luke warm”, He wants us to be either hot or cold and she chose to keep her faith and this world will never love that, we live in the most sinful time ever! But, us Christians need to be even more strong now than ever before and I just wanted her to know that as another young Christian woman, that I’m very glad she took her stand and I know God is very pleased with her as well.
390. Oso | 04.21.09
I personally want to know why it is that a gay man is judging a female beauty pageant in the first place. Isn’t that a little backwards? Regardless, that question should have never been asked in the first place, and his reaction to it afterward is beyond shameful. I don’t understand at all why it is that people demand tolerance, and yet refuse to be tolerant to the other side of the coin. This is sadly true for all current conflicts, be it Race, Religion, or sexual preference.
391. Delaney | 04.21.09
This is so sad, has it really come to this? Don’t ask a question if you can’t handle the potential answer, especially when speaking of Gay Marriage in America!
I think this young lady’s response to this hot question reflects the opinion of much of America quite frankly, even though it may not be popular to express these days, perhaps because she had the courage to voice her own true opinion is why she offended so many?
Not to mention the fact that she is from California, a stated which recently made it’s collective thoughts known pretty clearly on the subject when it voted for Prop 8!
Personally, I’m not against Gay Marriage, although I’m not really for it either. Although I don’t endorse marriage between folks of the same sex for reasons similar to this contestants, I also don’t believe it is appropriate to use the awesome power of government and law to prevent folks of the same sex from marrying.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion! There should be no “right” or “wrong” answer, unless one is of course trying to impose their will on others, which this contestant did not state, she give her feelings on the matter, politically correct or not. This young ladies stock went sky high in my book, thanks for at least speaking the truth, even while knowing that speaking truth will really **** off some one!
392. Phil Collins | 04.21.09
I’m glad that Miss California gave an honest answer. I don’t care whether gay marriage is legal. If it’s legal, the weddings should only be performed by judges. No Christian church should consider performing the weddings, since that would disobey the Bible.
393. Dottie | 04.21.09
I think the true winner of the Miss USA contest is Miss California. She had the strength and courage of her convictions and she stood by those values. This is what a truely beautiful woman should be.
As for Perez Hilton….. What part of his having to be non-biased as a jugedid he not understand? Then to rash her onhis stupid blog is beyond belief. All of his votes shoulbe disqualified because of his blatant biase.
394. Tim Franklin | 04.21.09
stupid question…… If you didn’t want that anwser you shouldn’t have asked that question. Not everyone likes to have homosexuality shoved down there throat and flaunted in their faces. Some Americans still beleive in the traditional family. Homosexuality used to be something to be embarassed by, today its simply taken to a new level. She stuck to her guns, and anwsered the question according to her morals, I applaud her.
395. Violet | 04.21.09
Why is it okay to incite bigotry as long as you say “it’s your religious beliefs?” I’m sorry, but religious beliefs do not entitle you to discriminate. Even so, if she was born several decades earlier, I’m sure she would have been against interracial marriage because it went against her religious beliefs too. Unfortunately, it is culturally acceptable to discriminate & belittle gays in our society - we will not evolve into a great nation as long as this continues. Remember, Jesus was considered a radical thinker in his time…I do not belive he would be siding with the “haters” if he was around today
396. German Cordoba | 04.21.09
Most Americans 90% belive that the marriage is between a men and a woman.
Shame for Trump in putting a gay person to judge a womans beauty pagent, this does not make any sense…always looking for publicity…
397. Ray Schouten | 04.21.09
Hurrah for Ms. California. Beauty and brains and integrity. A rare combination, and with the guts to stand up for her belief under such pressure and spotlight. That such a loaded questions be asked of the front runner and bs questions of the others belies the true politics and arm-twisting that goes on behind the scenes of the pageant industry. Been there, done that and no more.
To the “Judge” Perez-Hilton, I’m certain that you are all in favor of championing your homosexuality cause, but as a Judge, how about some integrity and truth, or maybe you just cannot live in the honesty of her integrity? Are you so weak? You are not a “Judge” but a hypocrite in the strongest sense of the word.
In my view the questions should never have been asked and the “Judge” is just another glaring example of the lack of integrity that abounds.
The biggest sham….
398. Russell | 04.21.09
Carrie Prejean I admire you! I applaud your courage and convictions. I hope more young women will be inspired by your courage and standards. What a great legacy you will leave your family, children, and those that follow after you. This country is quickly throwing away it’s once strong standards and maybe soon being an American may be worthless.
399. dail melton | 04.21.09
In this day and age in America, if you are not “FOR” the homosexual community, then you are “against” America and all it stands for. Morality has nothing to do with it.
I’m not sure where in the history of this country that line of logic got started, but I think it had something to do with the riots back in the early sixties in New York with the police trying to control protesting by the gay community.
400. efd | 04.21.09
It is nice to know not everyone has been silenced by the concept of PC. Good for her.
401. AdamG | 04.21.09
Everyone who is pointing to Prop 8 as a justification to Miss California’s answer is either A) Not from California or B) One of the Californians who used blatant lies and our children against the vote for gay marriage. The religious organizations have since copped to using false advertisements during the campaign basically saying that ‘it worked, so who cares if we lied.’
This is a civil rights issue, not a dogmatic or religious conundrum, and the fact that people are against gay marriage because of their own comfort, religion, or beliefs is shameful.
402. Mystic | 04.21.09
Miss CA, you are a courageous person. Thanks for having the guts to respond honestly. You have many fans, and a great future. You will always be remembered for your strength. We wish you great success!
403. Bob | 04.21.09
Why does marriage have to be between a man and a woman, or even between 2 humans for that matter?
I am hoping I can marry my pet dog soon.
She is loyal and I would like to get the tax break for being married to her.
404. Adrienne | 04.21.09
Actually, although Miss California was grammatically correct, her answer appeared as ill thought out as Perez Hilton’s.
First, the vast majority of people in America DON’T have the right to choose to be married to a person of the same sex. It is incorrect, and useless to say it if it’s not even part of your argument. Second, implying that you think your beliefs should apply to all people (”in my country…”) is death wish if you want to be Miss America, regardless of what it is. If you can’t hold it together for a few minutes on the stage, you are not going to be representing the pageant for a year. Period. But as other people have suggested, perhaps winning the pageant wasn’t her aim.
She missed a perfect opportunity to talk about why she thinks marriage should be limited to a man and a woman and to make some points for intelligence. I support same-sex marriage, but I would have been a lot more interested in hearing that than hearing her parrot back what her parents think or watching the sandbox fight this has become.
405. Tom Pedersen | 04.21.09
After expressing my deep annoyance with the position taken by this judge, I spent some time examining the cause of my annoyance and realized that it was NOT because Miss California lost. And it was NOT because of either her position or that of Mr.(?) Hilton. It was because I believe that Freedom of Choice is NOT Freedom From Consequences, and that is no longer true in the general sense. It has come to be in America that some people and some views are free from consequences and others are held accountable…clearly a lack of justice. It is the result of the thought police declaring what is politically correct, then forgiving their own for transgressions while hanging those with whom the disagree. THAT is the wrong that this story just hints at, not that specifics. The first amendment lives, but the intent has died in the selective application of consequences.
406. iwillnotbow | 04.21.09
Good for you Miss California, you are my hero. Are you running for elected office anytime soon? Haven’t you heard, to be popular you have to be PC. I am so encouraged by your guts. Stick with it.
407. Gary from Iraq | 04.21.09
I personally think these contests are shallow and a complete waste of time, but I can’t help but applaud Carrie’s morale fortitude in answering the question honestly and in accordance with her beliefs. She was obviously raised well and is undoubtedly a source of great pride to her parents - a man and a woman to be sure. Too many public personalities today give in to the pressures of the popular media and say what they think people want to hear, to the detriment of their own personal beliefs and ethics. All part and parcel to the morale decay of our great country.
408. Kim | 04.21.09
Way to GO!!!!!! If he did not want an honest answer he should not have asked. I am glad that someone with Christian values stood up to someone who doesn’t have any. I totally agree with Carrie. Go Back To the CLOSETS!!!!!!! Do not get angry when a Christian voices their opinion, after all this Country was founded on the Christian Belief. By the way Perez where will you spend eternity it is not to late to change.
409. Sherry | 04.21.09
Why do gays get to voice what they think is right and then when Christians say what we and GOD think is right they can’t handle it. Well take a good look around at the crime and corruption with babies being murdered raped and people killed and you can see what is happening to this world with people not abiding by God’s commandments. I think we need more people like her to stand up for God’s union.
410. Raul Is Anon | 04.21.09
……… I like how no one noticed that she did not answer the question. Like I support gay marriage but the thing is that she never gave an answer. They should have not made Perez ask that question, its like having a black person ask her about affirmative action. Its a hard question to answer on national TV. I’m not saying I agree with the girl I’m just saying that it takes courage to stand up for what you believe, she didn’t bash gays or anything, she did not condemn them. She spoke her mind. I think Perez should not be bashing her on the radio (power 106) or on his website. It’s a low blow. What I want to know is that “when did Perez Hilton become the Jesse Jackson to the gay population.”
411. Terri | 04.21.09
You’ve got my vote Miss California! I believe your loss of the pagent will certainly be your gain in the days ahead as you have stood up for what’s right at a time in our nation when the country at large has turned its back on God and Godly principals. But regardless of whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, white or black, conservative or liberal, we live in a free country where freedom of speech has been afforded us by our forefathers. Shame on Perez Hilton for blasting you for sharing your honest opinion about a controversial subject regardless of the effect of your opinion on your chances of winning the pageant. Left-wingers like Perez Hilton have, in essence, sent you to the back of the bus for being “different.” Yes, there are MANY of us who feel like marriage is an institution reserved for a man and a woman, and whether you agree with that or not, you have the union of two heterosexual parents to thank for your very existence, no matter who you are.
412. Greenleaf | 04.21.09
She did the right thing. She didn’t compromise her beliefs but stood up for herself in the face of opposition. That is true courage!
413. Mark | 04.21.09
I commend her for standing behind what she believes. Hey that is her rite and for everyone including Perez get over it not everyone shares your beliefs. And if it is important I ask PEREZ WHO????????????
414. lrm | 04.21.09
Miss California had every right to state her beliefs even though it may have cost her the title.I also believe that marriage is between a man and woman. It seem like the judge was promoting a political agenda.
415. Heather | 04.21.09
Miss CA definitely won the title of Miss USA in my opinion. I am extremely proud of her for standing up for her religious belief and not backing down, even with all of the pressure afterward. She is an example to all young people, to stand up for what you believe, and don’t let the media force you into going with the polically correct opinion. She may not have won the crown, but her reward will come from God!
416. I love miss california | 04.21.09
Thank God for people like Miss California bringing back respect and dignity to the beauty pageant and speaking what she believes and not the bs that the rest say just to try to win.
She’s the best Miss America I’ve ever seen and the most beautiful. She is the best for standing up for what she believes in and for what the majority of the HUMAN RACE believes in (and not the lame minority).
We are not “evolving” by saying NO to prop 8. Give me a break.
THANK GOD FOR PROP 8, for intergrity, for honesty!
417. bess | 04.21.09
I love the guy who said that if Miss America can’t represent the whole country she shouldn’t be Miss America.
Plastic surgery, taped up butt, dyed hair, padded bra, whitened teeth, etc, etc ….does anyone think about whether she actually even represents the American woman? If she does, (and that’s a possibility) we should be working on that! The pageant attitude of appearance/sexiness being more important than content of character, intelligence and contribution to society leads to eating disorders, self-esteem problems, unhappy relationships and basic inequality for women.
The question section of the pageant is an attempt (albeit a poor one) to mitigate criticism of the process by showing that the contestants are being evaluated on more than their dress size and their posture. An intelligent answer to a controversial question- which it was, by the way, because you can support American values of choice, and yet condemn the choice, i.e. I support the right to assemble, but I’m not joining the Klan, is not an unreasonable position.
419. Ras-Disputin | 04.21.09
Perez Hilton belongs in a bottle or a can or something and only to be
let out for amusement. Miss Calif…right on…it would have me proud to
hear my own daugher answer from her heart.
420. Rach | 04.21.09
I think she made the right decision, regardless of whether anyone else agrees with her. It is more important to stay true to your beliefs than to sell out because you are afraid of what other people will think. No crown is worth losing your self respect. I think it is obvious Perez Hilton is the more hateful one in this situation.
421. KLR | 04.21.09
I feel that no matter what is said anymore someone isnt going to like the answer. I think good for her she spoke from her heart and her mind. What gives Perez Hilton the right to bash her for her opinion while he can go and say what he wants. Is he exempt because is a homosexual? I dont thinks so. What that is telling people is lie at a pagent to win and who cares what you think. Im proud of miss california for not taking back what was said. As for perez hilton telling matt lauer on the today show that he believe political, religious views should be exempted from answers i believe political and religious questions should be exempted as well. Again who does he think he is? Get over it!
422. Lea | 04.21.09
Seriously, did this guy NOT want a woman who could think for herself? Who could and would stand up for what she believes in? Who does what others want them to do just because it is popular? (and isn’t that how Vanessa Williams lost her crown?)
I don’t have a problem with a woman “filling her pretty head with politics” and knowing her opinion and standing up for her beliefs.
By the way…. Does anyone know the name of the woman who did win??? I don’t.
423. Panama City Tom | 04.21.09
In the long run, Carrie will earn more money, achieve greater success and endear more people by being honest than falsifying an answer to win the pageant.
424. Bill C. | 04.21.09
This pageant is a complete joke. The Hilton’s question as well as the reaction of the California pageant’s organizers are nothing more than a bunch of bigots. Prejean was asked a question that has no right or wrong answer, it is a question who’s answer is only a reflection of ones opinion.
If Hilton asked her who she voted for, for president, I can imagine if she answered anyone but Obama, she would have lost, too.
Maybe next year they can have an activist who promotes beastiality on the judges panel. I would hate to be the leading contestant and get a question like: “Do you think that people and dogs should be able to marry….”
425. Sarah K. | 04.21.09
She said,
“Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other,” she said. “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.”
This is factually incorrect; we are not able in America to choose one or the other; the United States (federal) government does not recognize same-sex marriage. A couple of states do, but those marriages are not recognized by the feds or by other state in the union.
So the factual part of her answer is incorrect (wildly wrong), whatever the value of the opinion part of the answer.
How come nobody is talking about that?
426. Coyotered | 04.21.09
What would be the reaction of all you “she was penalized for her opinion” folks if she had said that “the way she was raised” was that people should “marry only within their own race”? Exactly. So the issue depends on the substance of her opinion, not her right to hold it. And of course we (and the judges) are entitled to assess the substance of that opinion. Your right to have an opinion doesn’t obligate me or the judges to agree with it or reward it–or vice versa. If you want to judge, get Focus on the Family to sponsor its own “Miss Christian America” or whatever.
PS Her answer was poor because she started out talking about what’s wonderful about this country is that we are “free to choose gay marriage or opposite marriage”? Huh? “Opposite” marriage? And of course GLBT couples AREN’T free to choose gay marriage in most this country, which was the reason the question was a good one. Bimbo answer for a bimbo contest. The fact that she is apparently a Christian bimbo doesn’t change a thing…
427. Alicia B. | 04.21.09
Wholesome America? It’s time to stop worrying about how to walk in high heels while in a bathing suit. How many women actually dress like that to go to the beach (hair perfect, huge hoop earrings, high heels and bikinis)? NONE! These pageants are more about sexism and commercialism. I want to see a “real” Miss America, wearing flip-flops, and answering questions about REAL issues, without giving generic answers. I want to hear about plans on collaaborating to make their community, society and the world a better place… REALISTICALLY!
428. Gabriella | 04.21.09
People, people, it’s not about WHAT she said, but HOW she said it! She did not lose because she supports gay marriage. She lost because she stumbled over the question and did not display a sense of awareness about issues that a Miss USA winner should have some grasp on. You can go on and on about how it was good for her to be standing up for her own principles, but you can’t deny the fact that it was clumsy, grammatically inaccurate, and graceless to present her views in the way she did.
From the Miss USA site:
“These women are savvy, goal-oriented and aware. The delegates who become part of the Miss Universe Organization display those characteristics in their everyday lives, both as individuals, who compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals, and as women who see to improve the lives of others.”
Savvy, goal-oriented and *aware*. Miss California showed the world that she was definitely not two out of the three (e.g. savvy or aware). That is why she lost. And rightfully so…any competitor can insert their own opinion, but if they do it gracelessly and in a clumsy way, they don’t get the crown.
429. JD | 04.21.09
Dear Canwegetsomecommonsenseplease: The agenda which removes the rights of others is the one filled with hate, “chik-a-dee”. If you don’t want to marry someone of the same gender then don’t. But you can’t determine for my same-sex friends whether or not they are a family, whether or not their relationship is entitled to the same legal and moral footing as heterosexuals, or whether or not they have the right to marry. It’s not about having children or why would seniors be allowed to marry? It’s not about religion or why would atheists be allowed to marry? Welcome to the 21st century and down with the Quickie Divorce (brought to you by straight people)!
“351. Canwegetsomecommonsenseplease | 04.20.09
If this is the case then the judge who asked the question was just as lop-sided in his beliefs for attacking her honest opinion. It can’t go one way chik-a-dee. The judge should have stuck to a neutral “world-peace” question instead of trying to push a hateful, homosexual agenda.”
430. Tony Justin | 04.21.09
I hate to spoil the parade, but most of the posters are missing the point. Straight men do not watch the Miss USA pageant. Straight men watch the Hooters or Hawaiian Tropic pageant, where more cleavage is on display. Only girls, women and gay men watch the Miss USA pageant. That is why Miss California’s answer was so appalling: she was dissing a significant portion of her target audience!
431. Don Hudson | 04.21.09
Hopefully, next year, there will be fewer viewers and advertisers for the Miss USA “Agree-with-my-leftist-agenda-or-go-to-hell” Pageant.
432. Ken | 04.21.09
Miss California has a right to free speech, and Perez Hilton did not have to ask the question. He should have kept his opinion about gay marriage to himself.
Miss California is right about marriage. Marriage should be between a man and a woman. Gays and Lesbians should not be married!
Gays and Lesbians do not understand about what they are doing. What they are doing is a sinful act. If gays and lesbians don’t acknowledge this, and don’t repent they will suffer judgement under GOD. Not against Man.
433. Stephen | 04.21.09
Actually her answer was factually incorrect: we do NOT have the right to choose if we want to marry someone of the same sex. Yep, that’s right - gay Americans are NOT free, equal citizens. Sure, she has a right to her opinion, but she was factually wrong. Map, anyone?
434. Kristen | 04.21.09
Why is it that Christians cannot express how they feel? Everyone else in this country can say what they want, but if you’re a Christian your speech has to be censored so it’s not offensive. Something is wrong here
435. aj | 04.21.09
Let’s see…dress designers, make-up & hair stylists, cat-walk coaches, photographers, judges…hmmm.
436. Jeff | 04.21.09
Now, in addition to the multitudes of trainers, beauticians, and handlers needed to win a Miss USA pageant you need a Director of Political Correctness to make sure you give the “correct” answer.
437. Scott | 04.21.09
This young lady gave a very thoughtful answer to a loaded, highly political question that was clearly not appropriate for this event. Regardless of one’s views on this issue, she had every right to state her opinion. The Miss California Pageant Directors, and especially Perez Hilton - clearly demonstrate the smallness of their thinking by their biased and disrespectful comments. Calling someone degrading names for disagreeing with you? What kind of organization would have such a person as a judge?
438. Maria | 04.21.09
Many of the gay rights people have become bullies. Miss California was expressing not just her beliefs but also represents the majority opinion in her state. At least in the United States, gays make money and hold good jobs. Why doesn’t Perez Hilton focus on the persecution of homosexuals in the Middle East, that’s where the real suffering occurs.
439. John | 04.21.09
I don’t even think that was a fair question for him to ask her. Obviously he’d have a huge bias against her if she didn’t agree with gay marriage.
440. BJ | 04.21.09
I agree with Miss California. I also think it was very brave of her to say what she feels. This country tries to except everything. Despite what anyone believes I believe God is proud of her.
441. John | 04.21.09
I believe it was stumbling that cost her the crown, not the odious content.
But while we’re on the subject:
I DON’T MEAN TO OFFEND ANYBODY, but I don’t believe women should be permitted to HAVE opinions, let alone EXPRESS THEM–it’s just the way I was raised.
Like other creatures created “less equal” than men, women should not be permitted to show skin, talk back, vote, make as much money, or hold office or serve religious groups.
I don’t have to explain my beliefs–it’s god’s law.
442. Endsley | 04.21.09
I am a lesbian who is going to marry my partner in Massachusetts in a few weeks. I support Miss California’s statement and agree with every who stated that this was a loaded question that does not belong in the pagent. However, I am very saddened by some of the bigotted statements I have sent on this site; for example next thing we will want to marry trees or dogs and calling Perez Hilton a sissy boy.
Gay marriage is a civil right not a religious right. Marriage for EVERYONE should be a civil union where heterosexual and homosexual couples go to city hall to be married, and then if you want to have your marriage blessed by whatever religion you practice then you should go do that. Many countries require a civil union before a marriage in a church even if they don’t allow gay marriage.
443. Denese (a mother of two daughters) | 04.21.09
As a mother of two teenage daughters, I applaud this young lady!
Some agree with Miss California, and some do not. What we actually believe is not the point here.
I only hope that my daughters some day have the poise and confidence to stand up for what they feel is right…. no matter what the cost. If she believes that Gay Marriage is wrong, I am so glad that she stood up before the world and stated her belief.
We tell our children to say no to drugs and stand up for what is right. Why are others angry for this young lady standing up for her beliefs?
This young lady showed us in one answer what America is all about, the freedom to have your own opinion and stand up for it.
She is truly a Miss America to me. I hope every young lady in America has the backbone to say what she feels. I hope that every young lady is taught to be a strong individual no matter what the issue is.
How sad that the organizers did not screen the questions before hand. How sad that she is being criticized now for standing up for her beliefs.
444. Kristin | 04.21.09
I am so glad she did not fold to Hilton’s and other’s ideas of a PC answer. Stick to your beliefs even if they cause a littler ruckus. She was not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings or save anyone’s feelings. She was being honest and that is what we need. Why dance around the issues? Speak your mind, I support Carrie’s answer exactly how it was, regardless if I support her opinion.
The fact that Hilton was allowed to ask that question was ridiculous. That is like asking do you like me or not, it is too personal for him to make a fair judgment.
445. Lorrie | 04.21.09
God Bless you Miss California. God is in Heaven smiling boldly that SOMEONE finally stands for biblical principals. And your statement was done in love (I don’t want to offend anyone). This country needs many more Christians to take a stand for their beliefs. Other groups do it but when Christians do it, they can hassled. But that is okay because God is our vidicator!! Thank you Jesus for people like Miss California.
446. Renee | 04.21.09
Could someone please explain what qualifies an individual to be GAY. Because there is no physical proof or test, then being GAY is a Sociological disorder. If so, shouldn’t we spend more time on solving the problem, then encouraging the behavior.
447. Rich | 04.21.09
I’m always amazed at the unhinged reaction from the radical left.
They seem to always answer with irrational behavior and language. Michael Savage is 100% correct - - liberalism is a mental disorder. Now the demented judge is letting his own personal bias influence what should have been an unbiased opinion. Will Donald Trump draw the line against these types of biased judges? Gay people, by their very being, are biased.
Thank goodness Miss California is standing by her statement, which, by the way was absolutely politically correct and accurate - - for those with the ability to read.
America Wake Up!
448. Waldo5 | 04.21.09
That kind of question can spoil an event and may not have been an appropriate one for the time, place and audience. However, Miss California did speak her mind, and she has a right to be frank and honest about her personal opinion. She feels, however, that gays have equal rights as others. They do not; they are discriminated against in housing, jobs, organizations, pay, schools, etc. They are ridiculed in jokes in the media, at parties, family reunions, numerous public comments. They are murdered by fanatics who think that fanatics’ religion is superior and condemns gays. Gays cannot speak out publicly because their homes, e-mails, phones, –contacts on these contain harrassment, threats, hate. That is not equality.
449. Katie | 04.21.09
This is an amazing woman. She has handled herself with the utmost grace and professionalism in this manner. I am shocked that those who lash out so hatefully at her think they are making a positive case for their cause - Perez Hilton included. Those reacting with their rage and disbelief are not the leaders. Their power of persuasion is weak and insufficient. Respect is crucial to progress and in that we should not have to sacrifice our beliefs.
450. Melissa | 04.21.09
Guess what? Her diction was idiotic. She actually used the phrase opposite marriage, and said “I think that I believe that…”
She also claimed that everyone in the country could choose to marry someone of the same sex.
Her answer was worded terribly, and no, her syntax was not correct.
451. Jerry Young | 04.21.09
I love this woman and I support her I am so glad that there is still a glimer of hope in our youth and may I say that she is a true represenitive of CA and I share her belief and I hope that she does not apoligize she has done nothing wrong. Her parents did one fine job raising her
452. John | 04.21.09
I thought her answer was very well stated to a question that should have never been asked in a pagent. Nobody can agree with or show support for every deviate behavior that some minority engages in. In fact, her answer was very congenial considering her beliefs. If the gays think they are ever going to truly be accepted as “normal” behavior by society in general I think they will be very disappointed - tolerance is really the most they can hope for.
Also, when Perez stated what he thought her answer should have been - that was NO ANSWER at all. That just would have sounded like she was skirting the issue. I think she did great!
453. Shana Morell Stadler | 04.21.09
Why ask the question if he didn’t want her answer? That was inappropriate to ask if her opinion wasn’t wanted. In my opinion, she gave a normal answer. Who would have ever thought that marriage would not be between a man and a woman? I think P. Hilton acted very unprofessional. A judge should not name call and lose it because she didn’t agree with him. What an immature person he is. Talk about hate crimes. He has committed one by attacking her. She should get the best lawyer in CA and sue him!!
I am from NC and was glad someone from NC won but would have been proud to have a person with her principles to represent Miss USA.
454. L Lee | 04.21.09
I stand up for Miss CA! I admire her for giving her honest opinion and for her belief in God and the Bible. I do not care who she offended. It is a FREE country and she had the right to say what she believed. You go girl!
455. Rufus T Firefly | 04.21.09
Marriage is not a “right” - for anybody. Marriage is an institution created by the state (that is why you have to get a marriage license from the state before you can get married, even if you are getting married in a church) to serve the purposes of the state.
The state, not religions, define what marriage is and who may get married. It also defines who may not get married.
If marriage were an unlimited right then, indeed, anyone who wanted to marry anyone else could do so and no one could stop them. Brothers could marry sisters… sons could marry mothers… fathers could marry sons… 50 year old men could marry 13 year old virgins… you name it.
Anyone who claims marriage is a “right” doesn’t know what they are talking about.
456. raymundo | 04.21.09
Church has nothing to do with it. God does! We are to have no state
sponsered religion, but our nation was founded on Christian principles.
As much as the gay lobby would like to say otherwise, God ordained a man to marry a woman. By the way, before you say God is not involved in the founding of this country, may I politely asked why men prayed in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention. Prayed for Divine guidance. God has everything to do with it.
457. Lisa | 04.21.09
Way to go Carrie! I am grateful for someone who values their integrity and will speak the truth as she sees fit. How many contestents would give an answer just to win the “prize” vs speaking honestly how you truly feel though it might risk an unpopular vote? You showed alot of class and I appreciate you as a leader. The California people have voted on this agenda twice–both have told the politicians that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Thanks for standing up for what you believe.
458. bugspit | 04.22.09
I support Miss California’s right to say what she said and I originally thought she was in the right. But after further review, I believe the outrage is unfounded. She didn’t answer the question. The question was whether other states should legislatively allow gay marriages and she answered with her opinion about such marriages, not with her opinion about the what the legislature should do. The question was NOT are you a heterosexual.
Her opinion is fine and maybe, indirectly, she answered the question by saying that other states shouldn’t adopt such rules, but she gave no commentary to support her beliefs other than that she was brought up to think differently. Not the answer anyone was looking for given the question.
The question wasn’t loaded. It was the same type of question they ask all candidates. There are landmines, but if you listen closely, you won’t step on them. I love her conviction but she isn’t deserving of the Miss America title. She needs to understand her mistake and learn from it rather than make a stink and profit from it.
459. CW | 04.22.09
Congrats Carrie.
You exemplify the American spirit. No matter your OPINION on the subject what makes us unique in the world is we protect OPINIONS. You stood your ground as every American should. The Liberals of the country want to dictate all of our beliefs. Bottom line the Pageant and others should realize if you don’t want an answer don’t ask a question. Again I applaud you for your convictions.
460. Jennifer | 04.22.09
First off, I don’t believe the pageant committee should have asked such a controversial, and very personal, question. Secondly, I am so proud to see someone stand up for what she really believes, agree with it or not, and not give in to what the “popular” answer may have been.
Those who choose to come out and disrespect her answer, or slam her (or anyone else, who TASTEFULLY gives their opinion), need to check themselves first and their ways of thinking, as they are the ones truly closed off to what another believes.
God Bless her, and this great country that allows us, as individuals, to think as we choose to think.
461. Lily of the valley | 04.22.09
It is sad that we can’t have the freedom of speech anymore. See also comment#71. This politically correct business used to work well in communist countries too. As long as you said what was expected from you, you were fine.
And by the way, in the first part of her answer she acknowledged that we leave in a great country where people are given rights.
The second part was her own belief. She should have been praised for being sincere.
462. JEFF C. | 04.22.09
I think that people in America are too worried about hurting other people’s feelings. I don’t like offending people,but guess what? America has become wimpy. What ever happened to having a mind of our own? I don’t agree with gay marriage. I hold a biblical world-view. But I don’t HATE on people who disagree with me. It’s part of life. Do we now start hating people who disagree with us? NO!!! Why are we going down this road?! I applaude Miss CA. She simply let her beliefs and faith be known. Is Perez Hilton scared that her opinion may spark a wildfire? Shame on him, and on anyone else who hates a person and calls them names simply because they have a different belief.PRAISE GOD for people with backbone.
463. kels1123 | 04.22.09
I think it was great that Miss CA spoke her mind and didn’t cave in to “PC” rules. For those saying she was wrong when she stated that people have the right to choose whom they marry in this country. Well you are actually wrong, a man can marry a man in the US. he just doesn’t have the right to choose “where” in the US he wants to get married. However two men or two women can come to my state and legally get married here in MA which is in the US. So she was correct.
Also to those calling her a bigot, I disagree with you completely. She isn’t saying she hates gay people, she isn’t putting gay people down. She only stated she doesn’t believe in gay marriage. Many Americans don’t agree with gay marriage, it doesn’t mean they hate gay people. I like gay people , however I do think marriage is a man and woman becoming husband and wife. However I do believe gays should have something like marriage with a different name but giving them the same rights as a couple that a husband and wife has. Now how would that make me a bigot? I don’t dislike gay people. I don’t hate gay people. I like gay people.
I am glad Miss CA stood up and spoke what she truly thinks. We all have the right to have an opinion.
464. Jesse Watts | 04.22.09
I read what the Miss America directors said and it’s complete bs condeming her. They said everyone has their right totheir own religious beliefs, but being gay IS NOT A RELIGION! How stupid can they be? Why couldn’t they stand behind their contestant and say she has the right to her own opinion b/c this country is supp to have freedom of speech? Instead, they choose to make it seem like she did something wrong! I heard her answer, and she was sensitive and considerate. Just b/c she doesn’t share the opinion that gay marriage should be legal doesn’t make her a bad person! Perez Hilton is an awful human being who can’t see past his homosexuality. He only would accept one answer to his question-and that wuld’ve been yes. Just b/c she didn’t agree this woman is being attacked.
465. ldrake | 04.22.09
i feel so silly even saying that person’s name, so i won’t. but i heard him say that he thinks she could have said that it should be left up to the states. unfortunately, the way he worded the question, she did not have that option, and he knows that. she should have gotten out as soon as she realized he was a judge. there certainly is nothing good that can come of a person like him being a judge in a contest like that.
466. Daniel | 04.22.09
Perez is apparently not familiar with Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. Now, he or she or whatever Perez is, has the right to have an opinion but that does not mean “it” has the right to force that opinion on others.
467. Reynolds Jones | 04.22.09
I’m gay, I’m partnered and if NYS passes gay marriage we will probably be married, we’ve been together 17 years.
The key here however is NOT religion (religion stands on both sides of this issue — there are churches, synagogues, whole denominations and quite a few of them, that SUPPORT gay marriage, as well as those that oppose it. If anyone wishes to argue that - I point them, to start - to the United Church of Christ, the Unitarians, and the Reform Congregations of Judaism - to whit, two of the oldest protestant denominations in the United States and the largest branch of Judaism — and again, that’s only a start. If this is a matter of religious freedom it is EVERY BIT as much one on the pro side as on the anti side.) The key is personal opinion, and whether I agree of not, the woman deserves one, and should not be punished for having one.
Regards,
Reyn
468. Steven MsKenzie | 04.22.09
Are we not allowed to have personal opinions in America anymore? If she wants to express her beliefs to a question put forth by the judges and the pageant then she has every right to express them with out fear of retaliation. Tolerance should work both ways.
469. R Hershey | 04.22.09
Congratulations to Miss California. Staying true to your upbringing and what’s right in a world gone wrong at times. The Judge in question said that this should not have included religion, but there’s no place for sexuality debate here either. Her question was not even anywhere equal to the other ladies which included insurance and our economy. Being straight OR gay should not even be a part of any questions. Someone else wrote that if she would have agreed to the same sex marriage that it wouldn’t even be noteworthy to the media. Unfortunately, that is true…but I am proud that she said what she said.
470. Ken | 04.22.09
I wonder if the Question was fair the contestant spoke from her hart her beliefs. This country was founded on the ideals that you have the right to free speech. If they did not like the answer don’t ask the question. As for the Judges remarks they should be ashamed of themselves Talking to the media calling her a B and worse this is disgraceful. The two California Judges who are supposed to support her have told flat out lies saying that she does not represent California the people of California have twice voted to outlaw same sex mirages
472. Karen | 04.22.09
This was an obvious ambush. She was targeted, probably well in advance of taking the stage for her obvious beliefs. This agenda is being pushed in beauty competitions all across the country. There are two contestants in Texas who are now entitled to compete in the Miss Texas competition who competed locally in Dallas in a gay bar, held by a gay man, who had a gay transvestite as the entertainment. Several of the mother’s of the contestants voiced their discontent and the Miss Texas director stated that she did not think it was handled right and that a transvestite should not have been used as the entertainment. The winners are basically representatives of gay communities and attend many functions that are representative of the gay lifestyle. I do not believe this should be allowed at any beauty competitions, local, state, and especially nationally. If this is where it is headed then I suggest contestants boycott. No competition should be used to push an agenda.
473. taji | 04.22.09
Homosexually is embraced by the media elites but not by the majority of those with common sense. The liberal agenda does not allow for dissent. Nice job Ms. Prejean! You are a hero.
475. Jeremy D | 04.22.09
This is truly somthing that I will not be forgeting soon. It is so sad that a young woman stands up for real values and it hurts her chances of winning. That judge is a horrible man and I hope some day he may be able to get some help. The sad part is that we will never know who should have won. But even if it did cost her the crown I am even prouder of her for standing up for what she believed in. There are people out there that would have lied just to win.
476. Amanda | 04.22.09
I can’t say I agree with her, and I doubt she’s going to look very good 50 years from now, but she’s not saying anything beyond the pale of reasonable discourse as of 2009 and it was a coherent, politely worded, and not gratuitously offensive answer. She shouldn’t have been docked points for not sharing the judge’s opinion.
Perhaps extreme politics should be a bar to being a paid spokeswoman for a year, but being personally against gay marriage and thinking it doesn’t need to be extended to the whole country right now isn’t extreme. She didn’t say it was an abomination, or that states with gay marriage should revoke it; that’s more than tolerant in much of the country, alas.
Shame on Perez Hilton for asking such a political question.
477. Joe Joeson | 04.22.09
Miss California has more balls than many “Americans”, she actually stated her beliefs (and has a right to do so) but she’s being demonized, chastised, and outright BANNED! That is called religious discrimination, so much for “equal” rights - for those of you who want to keep it real, it’s time to draw the line and stand on either side; I’m for freedom of speech! Carrie cannot be held accountable for our lack of action and we cannot get overrun by a whole bunch of terrorists who are obviously calling for blood!!
478. Steve | 04.22.09
How can it get any more weird? Carrie was right on and not just because I agree but because she follows her beliefs not the heard mentality. She is a class act and still would be even if she had answered yes to his baited question if she believed in gay marriage. Hilton is a Heterophobe and he has enough company to cause us hetero types alot of pain for not aggreeing with him. How sad he wants equality or should I say utter compliance with his view of the world. Loser!
479. Ana | 04.22.09
She was discriminating so I’m not surprised it cost her her crown. However I believe that gay marriage is such a controversal topic that asking anyone that is going to lose pionts with the audiance either way.
480. m books | 04.22.09
Modern times are frightful to me . as to gays being a race of people . they are not, a race can reproduce and gays cant . they are simple - a offspring of a race . they cannot reproduce and shouldn’t be allowed to adopt. they are trying to justifie themselves with themselves . there is no justification in being gay . NONE . i am proud of the lady that stands up for what is right . she is already a winner in our sight . you go girl ! your already #1 [alabama]
482. Sonia Worsham | 04.22.09
I am proud of Miss California for stating her beliefs and taking a stand. You go girl. I really can not believe that Perez would vote against someone for being honest. So he would rather have someone representing USA that says what people want to hear? Really makes you wonder about him as a person. Personally someone like him does not need to be judging other people. Ultimately he will be judged before the Great Judge, what will his anwer be?
483. kws | 04.22.09
It’s nice to know that there’s at least one young Californian with the guts to stand up for what’s right.
484. edenmusicdance@yahoo.com | 04.22.09
Trump is an idiot for having an idiot like Perez-the-woman-hater be a judge. The California Miss America spokespeople are also showing that they are idiots. Miss California spoke with courage. These idiots should be defending her American freedom of speech instead of showing that they are the intolerant ones. Trump should be ashamed for his role. I would not expect him to do the right thing now because he has no ethics either.
485. Joseph | 04.22.09
If I personallized my license to say the word Gay. I can assure you my car would be vandalized within a matter of days. Tell me Freedom of speech has consequences to a society’s belief system. She spoke her truth, God love her for that now there’s Karma with your beliefs though.
486. Kenn | 04.22.09
Ok let me get this right people preach of other being tolrant of thier views. While not being Torant of others views. A bit hipcrital you…. Miss Prejean was asked a political question and then condemed for giving a polite well spoken political anwser.
100 % Snaps for Miss Prejean
487. Peter | 04.22.09
Hats off to real Miss America to Carrie!!!
Greetings from the old continent
Peter
488. Sweetwaters | 04.22.09
Freedom of Speech people. This country has become to PC. Everyone is so scared of hurting everyone else’s feelings. She spoke her mind. She should have never been asked that question. That has nothing to do with the Miss USA pageant. Perez Hilton is a cry baby. I know many people don’t agree with her comments, but they have to get over that. Miss California did the right thing, she spoke how she feels.
489. Pontificus | 04.22.09
Perez Hilton is an attention-loving troll. While I don’t agree with Miss California’s take on marriage, she shouldn’t have been penalized for saying it.
Also, the ignorance of some of her supporters is even scarier than Perez Hilton.
490. george | 04.22.09
Of course we all have the right to our opinions. The problem with her answer is that there was little supporting argument. The issue deals with state legislation and equal rights. Just saying that “that was how I was raised” is a weak argument when it comes to fair and equal state legislation. If a man was raised by a masoginistic father, he can still assess for himself that it would be against the American principal of equality to make laws keeping women in the home and denying them the same rights as men.
491. Oliver | 04.22.09
490. george | 04.22.09
How much time did she have to explain the in and out of such a debate.
She explained that it’s great that indivualism is possible in US and explained that personnally, being raised (that is, being educated) by her parents in a certain fashion, she embraces their ideology.
She manage to explain both, the general view and her personal view in a couple of sentences.
Did she have to start to use a certain vocabulary to picture you why she thought that really a man should stick to a woman rather than a man to a man to satisfy you and the show “judge”? That wasn’t the question. The question was, what she think about it and wasn’t about explaining why she think what she think.
Please explain how you can make someone think a homosexual act is physically compatible to a straight judge.
492. kelly | 04.22.09
I think that situations like this have put this competition to shame.Why ask a question,when your only expecting one answer?Its like she didnt even have a right to her opinion!She answered the question to the best of her ability.She never once downed gay marriage, she just simply said that she didnt believe in it.Considering her answer,She stated the best way she knew how!I think more of her for standing up for what she believes in and being truthful to herself instead of just getting out there and being fake just to get a title!WAY TO GO MISS CALIFORNIA!
493. KLee | 04.22.09
The judge if you want to call him that, needs to understand if if were not for opposite sex marriage he would not exsist, period. How long will this country allow the Hollywood-Lefties to judge were and what our country should stand for, we need to remember they all grow up in a un-real world. They have no idea how the average American lives, the day to day struggies, issues, finances, and apparently the values either. Let us average people judge THE JUDGE on his remarks he stated, if anyone on the MISS USA Board does not demiss Perez Hilton from ever being a judge in the future then we should also judge the Board. Perez, you need to get a life.
494. trudy | 04.22.09
Aaron DuPont,
I’m pretty sure most people associated with beauty contests are not liberals, rather stoneage Republicans.
While I disagree with her views, I respect her for telling the truth.
495. RfrancisR | 04.22.09
She has a right to speak her mind. However, she is competing for a position that is an unofficial ambassadorship, and that requires a degree of diplomacy. When you are talking to an openly gay male judge and tell him that you think he’s a second class citizen, you aren’t being diplomatic. Just because you can say whatever you want doesn’t mean that you always should.
496. joe | 04.22.09
Obviously SEER, has forgotten what our country was founded on. Christian Values!!Our four fathers would have laughed at this if it was brought up before Congress in the 1780’s.
497. Celia | 04.22.09
It didn’t really matter if Miss California won regardless of what question was asked. The fact that this controversial one was asked, answered, and then responded to is a different story. For me, I grew up raised probably with the same values as Miss CA, but unlike her I don’t have a side. I have no qualms against marriage and I have no qualms against marriage between man-and-women only. I find it slightly sad that the country I live in that claims it is the land of the free, is a nation more to be a home of malleable drones of the media. So what if Ms. CA didn’t believe in gay marriage? If she did become Miss USA, does that not represent the USA? USA is a land of both homosexuals and heterosexuals with different beliefs, I’m sure that future Miss USAs will range from believing in gay marriage and not. Hypothetically even if she did become Miss USA, she only strengthens views around the world that the US does allow traditional conservative views. After all, the US is one of the few countries that allow same-sex marriage.
498. Roger Hall | 04.22.09
This is a ugly world when someone gets slamed for speaking whats on there heart.I have three daughters whom I hope never marry woman.And guys Im giving
odds you dont want your sons marring guys.I am not a bible thumper but this
country is based on the bible read your money.Miss CA you are the winner.In
more ways than you think.
500. John | 04.22.09
Her beliefs are narrow-minded, discriminatory and hurtful.
Of course, she is allowed her beliefs, and as she did, to share them as she deems appropriate. But, per the design of our first amendment, such thinking deserves the critical discourse it is getting.
I hope Miss California learns just how many people are being victimized because of honest people like herself, who rest on ideals formulated when she was in grade school.
Thank you in advance for all your supportive comments that back my courage to share my point-of-view.
501. Waldo5 | 04.22.09
“The way I was raised” may not have been the wise way. I speak for the thousands of gay teenagers who have been kicked out of their homes and alienated from their families just because they told someone they felt that they might be gay. Some children may have been raised to hate gays, to discriminate against people of color–this is still being done in the US; and to continue this injustice against minorities is a travesty of so-called “democracy,”—one definition of which is “a form of government in which minorities feel safe.” A comment such as Ms. Prejean’s will only continue the marginalization of a certain section society, treating them as second-class citizens. If this situation is not corrected, then such marginalization can eventually lead to declaring gays as criminals (as they are in Iran), jailing them, sending them to concentration camps, and eventually extermination. California did this to the Japanese-Americans in World War II—merely if they “looked” Japanese or had a Japanese name—they were condemned to prison (so-called) “camps,” the closest California ever became to a Nazi-style government.
502. Tristan | 04.22.09
Miss Prejean is the only one in this sad story who actually increased in stature, and for that she is - and will remain - truly a winner.
503. SeaRation | 04.22.09
God for Ms. California for having the guts to express her convictions. Last time I checked, that’s a right given to all Americans. Its unfortunate that many do not exercise it because of political correctness.
504. Oliver | 04.22.09
501. Waldo5 | 04.22.09
“The way I was raised” could not have been the wise way.
I speak for the thousands of parents raising their children with some morality and common sense despite the hollywood propaganda. They started it by putting the odd neighbourg in the movie, then it became the best friend, then it got to become the main character of the movie. There is still a majority of people who knows their biology. It seems there is a minority that believes that if they think it’s right, everybody should think it’s right.
505. Christopher | 04.22.09
Carrie, I am so proud of you for being brave enough to answer the question honestly. In the long run, I guarantee you that you’ll be rewarded for doing the right thing. Your integrity is an example to all Americans.
506. Suzy | 04.22.09
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this woman presenting her views on whatever stage she likes, including Miss USA.
That said, when I heard her quote from the Today show when she wanted to be “Biblically correct” rather than “politically correct,” I had to cringe. St. Paul believed women should show modesty, including covering their hair when they go out in public. I don’t think posing a bikini in front of millions is in line with that Christian Biblical value. If you want to be Biblically correct, I don’t think you’re allowed to pick and choose which parts are, in fact, correct.
507. Jack | 04.22.09
When you ask an unqualified respondent an intellectually challenging question, you’ll probably get a reply that’s based on the sort of knee-jerk bigotry and unexamined bias Miss California’s response woefully reflects. Surely, she’s entitled to have her opinions, to express and to defend them, however ill-supported they may be.
The true foolishness of this contretemps seems to me to lie in asking participants in a beauty contest ANY serious question. Miss CA spoke frankly and demonstrated just how unattractive ignorance can make a person. If general attractives is to weigh in the judges’ consideration (as opposed to pure physical appearance), she quite properly lost her opportunity to wear this silly crown.
– Jack
508. Jack | 04.22.09
When you ask an unqualified respondent an intellectually challenging question, you’ll probably get a reply that’s based on the sort of knee-jerk bigotry and unexamined bias Miss California’s response woefully reflects. Surely, she’s entitled to have her opinions, to express and to defend them, however ill-supported they may be.
The true foolishness of this contretemps seems to me to lie in asking participants in a beauty contest ANY serious question. Miss CA spoke frankly and demonstrated just how unattractive ignorance can make a person. If general attractives is to weigh in the judges’ consideration (as opposed to pure physical appearance), she quite properly lost her opportunity to wear this silly crown.
– Jack
509. JLayne | 04.22.09
I applaud her for standing up for what she believes in rather than comprimising her beliefs. YOU GO GIRL
510. Rob Martin | 04.23.09
I don’t hate anyone. But like Miss California, I too believe in the Men and Women marriage. What a lady.
511. J.A | 04.23.09
I don’t agree with her, but neither do I think she should be persecuted for her opinions and beliefs. Her answer should have been evaluated solely on the basis of how well she supported her opinion.
That said, though, I still don’t think it was a good answer. A personal opinion and saying “that’s how I was raised” is not strong enough a justification as it is too subjective. An answer based on facts or legal policies might have done better.
Then again, nobody expects too much from pageant girls anyway.
512. Cindy | 04.23.09
I commend Miss California for answering the question with honesty and straight from the heart. It is apparent that no matter how she answered the question, she would have received criticism. However, she has shown great courage to speak with respect of her values. If you really listen, she is not forcing her values on anyone. Not many people now days can say that. Give her a break. She spoke without being judgmental. She has the right to speak of her values. We do live in America. Do you want a role model who will sway with the tide or stand up for what they believe without bais.
513. Myfullsupport | 04.23.09
She did an excellent job!
Too bad more people don’t speak their minds.
She is the true winner!
514. umthinkaboutit | 04.23.09
Why is everyone assuming that she would have won had she not had that question? Have the full pageant scores been released and I missed them? Just when Hilton said she lost the pageant after that comment don’t you think he was speaking for himself? Seriously, this woman is using this as her excuse for not winning and she’s going to host this pity party as long as she can.
Those are her beliefs, fine that’s great, nothing wrong w/that. What she either was not taught or fails to realize is that anytime you have to preface or follow a comment w/the phrase, “No offense” not only do you know you’re going to offend someone but you do it w/out consideration of others.
Should the question have been allowed? Absolutely!! It’s beyond time that fluff questions are completely excluded from the Miss USA and Miss America pageants. Personally, I want a representative who can think on her feet and do so w/the understanding that she represents an entire country as title holder, not just the people whose lifestyle she agrees with.
People w/in the pageant system aren’t standing behind her because guess what, a very large percentage of the men involved in the pageant system are gay, why would they stand behind her? She’s taken full advantage of the coaching she’s received, the advice, the financial support, etc. from “them” but because of the way she was raised she feels they aren’t worthy of legally being able to marry. That’s just not nice.
She is absolutely entitled to her feelings, opinions and beliefs but at the same time, she cannot use that as her excuse for why she did not win the crown.
515. Julia | 04.23.09
Sure she ‘could’ have worded her answer more diplomatically, but it was a high-pressure moment and at least she was coherent. Same sex marriage is a highly contentious issue so Perez Hilton’s question was clearly loaded. There’s really no ‘correct’ way to answer it except to give a nonanswer (i.e. be clearly left-leaning but say it’s up for the state to decide, or something ridiculously empty like that). There have been much, much worse and ignorant answers given by pageant contestants (it’s a pageant for crying out loud! Not a political science seminar) and Ms California’s answer was no where near that bad. It’s like we think that girls can have only well-worded pc non-opinions or be bubble gum dumb- no opinions allowed!
516. nonjon | 04.23.09
It’s not really about giving the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. It’s that she’s really not that dumb and the people she’s offended won’t accept that. If she was stupid (i.e. stuttered and didn’t really answer the question) then she’d be laughed at and probably forgotten. It’s because she did say an opinion coherently and it was with what a lot of americans do believe that she’s being so irrationally targeted as ’stupid’, ‘ignorant’, and ‘hateful’ by the left. If anything, her diplomacy could have used some improving but seriously, her opinion itself is fine. There are intelligent reasons as to why we should have gay marriage, and there can be intelligent arguments for why we should not. She’s not dumb nor totally ignorant and it’s because of that that certain people who disagree with her actions jump on her and try to convince everyone that she is.
517. JL | 04.23.09
She is entitled to her own opinion. Whether she is right or wrong is a separate issue. What exactly were the judges expecting? She was going to be criticized either way.
518. Jsk | 04.23.09
First of all, what a ridiculous question! I though Miss CA answered it very very well! She started out with a little disclaimer saying how she thinks its great that we live in a country that we can choose and continued with the fact that she doesn’t particularly agree with gay marriage but the important thing is to have the option to vote on it! For her to be discounted for not giving the judge the “right” answer is outrageous, but the main point is, it shouldn’t have been asked in the first place. Especially by someone close-minded enough not to accept the views of others. She’s entitled to her opinion and should have been applauded for having the guts to say it, even though she knew it wasn’t what the judge wanted to her.
519. wj | 04.23.09
@jack
She didn’t lose her opportunity to wear that crown. That crown is just worthless in exchange to her belief, honesty and integrity. She knew that she would have wear that if she had lied to appease some silly judges. But this fact doesn’t matter to you because you’re also entitled to you opinion whatever how ignorant and bias, or ever lying.
Sorry for my poor English. I just come from a country where American leftist love to be and where you can do every awful thing under the name of “political correctness”.
520. Mandy | 04.23.09
I think that Miss California did the right thing…. so she didn’t answer “correctly” but shouldn’t the contests be honest about their answers??? they are going to be a role model for people all over and role models shouldn’t be liars.. that doesn’t set a good example.. kudos to her for speaking what she has been taught and what she believes.
521. Gallowglass | 04.23.09
For Perez Hilton to ask the question, a very charged one in which he has a personal stake, and then castigate the girl for giving the “wrong” answer, is outrageous, and I wonder if he realises what a petulant child he has made himself out to be. Personally I am a straight man who is 100% pro-gay marriage(If you oppose gay marraige then don’t get one). I think that if this affair cost Carrie Prejean her crown, It should also cost Mr. Hilton his judges seat.
522. Kristen | 04.23.09
CONGRATULATIONS MISS CALIFORNIA!!! I am so glad to see that there are people who will stick to what they believe and aren’t afraid of being “politicly correct”. If people were afraid of your answer the question should have been, “How do you feel about gay marriage? and by the way we really just want you to say you support it.”
523. KingfromQueens | 04.23.09
What ms.hilton is “upset” about is that IT didn’t get the answer to the inappropriate question IT had interjected into the script for propoganda purposes.
524. Diane | 04.23.09
It’s time. Time for goodness to triumph over evil. Time for right to speak louder than wrong. Time for the innocent to be protected. Time for God’s word to be printed more than any other. Time for the power of the Almighty God to reign supreme. It’s time.
May God bless you.
Diane
525. Roxanne | 04.23.09
Certainly, Miss USA is not running for any govenment office so why should we care about her beliefs??? Isn’t a judge supposed to judge on other aspects of the woman rather than whether or not he or she disagrees with the answers? Shouldn’t the winner have superior poise, beauty, grace, intelligence, stage presence, and opinions???? Miss California had all of these assets and was robbed of a life changing event due to someone’s bias.
526. Deborah | 04.23.09
Good for you Carrie!!!! Sometimes we come to that fork in the road where we have to take a stand for what we believe in or gaining fame and fortune.
Remember what ever we give up for Christ we will gain it again.Carrie even though you did not get the crown on this side, you will get your crown with jewels on the other side.Just like you said just pray for him because he know not what he is doing.God Bless and continue to stand in the liberty where you have been made free.
Sister to Sister,
Deborah
527. Bragg | 04.23.09
I’ve read this young lady’s responce and see NOTHING wrong with it. Each of us have the right to believe as we see fit and if that doesn’t jive with other person’s beliefs….then so be it!!! We have that right. It was a loaded question to start with. She answered truthfully and with what she believed, Bravo!!!
528. JOSH | 04.23.09
JOIN THE “MISS CALIFORNIA FOR MISS USA” FACEBOOK GROUP AND SHOW SUPPORT TO MISS CALIFORNIA!!
529. Carol Singer | 04.23.09
While I do not agree with Ms. Prejean’s opinion, I do think it was wrong to ask her the question and then fault her for answering honestly.
530. Michael Noonan | 04.23.09
Did I get something wrong? Wasn’t there a confirmation of living in a land of freedom of choice. Pride in living in such a country. Confirmation of God given free will granted to human beings. Stating her family upbringing and the decision to honor her parents values.
In what way did Carrie fail to answer the question, show pride in her country, respect family values and hold a firm opinion of her own. Who does that peanut Perez think he is to discredit such a person!!!
531. Rev | 04.23.09
It is unfortunate that a person who is choosing to compete in a contest where the title is “Miss USA” would answer in such a way. She wasn’t running for “Miss Christian America” She could have stated her personal beliefs, yet also stated she believed in the equality of all citizens. If she had stated that, she would have probably won. However, if she only wishes to represent a portion of our country and sees a theocracy more preferable to a democracy, I’m glad she lost.
532. monica | 04.23.09
WOW, what a wonderful example for our young people today. She is intelligent, articulate, and honest. Which is now a no-no in the USA. She should be very proud of herself, just as we are proud of her. Shame on the pagent officials. This can obviously no longer be considered a “beauty pagent”.
533. Larry | 04.23.09
It is a symptom of the America’s descent into stupidity that an idiot like Perez is considered a figure of any importance, or that anyone cares what Miss USA thinks about gay marriage. I realize that people need distractions from reality but do we have to lap up such inane drivel? I disagree with her but I respect her right to voice her views. Mr. “Hilton” did a disservice to the cause he supposedly supports by reinforcing the stereotype of gays as angry, narrow minded and vicious. Maybe he’s secretly in the pay of the religious right.
534. Dr. David | 04.23.09
Well, those are her beliefs and she should be respected for that. If she states that she’s against interracial marriages, or immigrants, or Jews for killing Jesus, that’s her opinion too. She’s brave for speaking out her mind in a country that values intelligence more than it values beauty.
535. Nishant | 04.23.09
What happen to the freedom of Opinion?? I admire Miss California for stand up their and giving out her true feelings. She also handled the aftermath perfectly. She was true to herself and to her beliefs. For me she would’ve represent our great country U.S.A proudly.
536. Cat | 04.23.09
Yes, she’s entitled to state her opinion, but she wasn’t ASKED for her personal opinion about same-sex marriage, she was asked if she thinks states should legalize same-sex marriage. On one’s opinion makes it acceptable that certain Americans are denied the basic right to marry based upon their sexual orientation. If she doesn’t like same-sex marriage, she shouldn’t marry a woman. All states should legalize same-sex marriage BECAUSE this is America and we do not legislate discrimination against a group of people based upon their identity.
537. Oliver | 04.23.09
536. Cat | 04.23.09
“On one’s opinion makes it acceptable that certain Americans are denied the basic right to marry based upon their sexual orientation”
Marrying in a civil marriage means cilivians find it acceptable.
Most don’t! Just like they don’t find acceptable a man to marry more than one wife, just like they don’t find acceptable than a brother and a sister marry together, just like they don’t find acceptable a dog and a man marry together. Before speaking about basic right, think about what is right. Clearly, a man and a woman is right just as a man and man is not quiet right. But what do they teach in biology in school today? I really can’t stand the next walt disney being publicized with 2 mickeys getting married and I can’t stand either children being adopted in what is clearly an imbalanced view of what a familly should be like.
538. Kalikiano Kalei | 04.23.09
I agree with the consensus that politics (and religious beliefs) should be kept clear of events such as this (the Miss USA contest), and while it would appear that Mr. Hilton is a better agent provocateur than social commentator (or beauty pagent judge, for that matter), it is well past time to stop pretending ‘beauty pagents’ are about high-minded female role-ideals. Viewed in the blinding glare of a larger, more realistic context, the ‘Miss USA’ contest may be seen as a perfect example of our most revered American quality: hypocrisy. As much as we would like to pretend otherwise, beauty pagents are a blatant sexist anomaly in our supposedly ‘enlightened’ modern culture. They were begun originally so that men could oogle woman, end of thesis, period, finis. Over the years, as the dreaded disease of ‘political correctness’ has put increasing pressure on such public spectacles as this, much effort has been made to make them appear to be more intrinsically fulfilling and culturally ‘wholesome’, thus all of the heavy ‘talent, knowledge, skills’ (et al) emphasis of modern years. But again, the bottom line was, is, and always shall be ‘men vicariously enjoying T&A’ and no amount of clever enhancements will ever fully hide or disguise that hard fact. In view of this, I am of the opinion that either the Miss USA contest (and all other ‘beauty pagents’) should be ended, OR…we should strip away all the sophomoric ’social worth’, poltically correct enhancements entirely and revert it to its original format: a bawdy show for male voyeurs. Beauty pagents are properly about female physical endowment; to pretend otherwise is simply disingenuous hypocrisy.
539. freethinker | 04.23.09
I support her. She expressed her opinion and everyone should stood for what she believes in. Thank you!!
540. Family of three | 04.23.09
As another American Christian family, we support her and know that she will be blessed beyond dreams for publicly sticking to her beliefs even knowing it would cost her the pageant. God blesses those who don’t fear to speak out for what is right. We believe the judge that spoke out so unprofessionally should be reprimanded. There is no reason to put down a contestant that you cut. CARRIE, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!
541. Miranda S. | 04.23.09
I think she just gave her honest opinion in a very polite and acceptable manner. If she lost her crown for it, who cares? She stood up for what she believed in, there’s nothing wrong with that.
Personally I don’t support gay-marraige being legalized, but I respect other people’s opinions. I don’t support it because ever since recorded history marraige has been between a man and women, and it being the same sex isn’t the same thing. I’m not biast against anyone who is gay, I simply just don’t agree.
542. GEJ | 04.23.09
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ms Prejean is a fan of George Orwell.
“In a time of univeral deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
-George Orwell
543. hawkinsds | 04.23.09
I must respectfully disagree with Seer. How can anyone be a role model if they “change with the environment” rather than sticking with their principles? Pick anyone lifted up as a role model - left or right - any you’l find someone that bucked the current trends. Anyone else is just one of the sheep.
544. steve | 04.23.09
Perez Hilton is a disgrace to gay people, he should move to an island and live with the animals, no that would be cruelty to animals.
545. Sean | 04.23.09
Though I don’t agree with her opinion, I completely respect her answer and her honesty. What is with the politically charged question - what next - abortion? stem cell research?… If you don’t want to hear the answer, don’t ask the question. I agree that in the US, people can have their own opinion, don’t knock her because she doesn’t share your view.
546. Michael | 04.23.09
Carrie Prejean should hold her head high that she stood by her beliefs. In a wonderful turn of events, in only a split second, Biblical truth was shared to millions of people. Thank you, Perez Hilton, for asking a question you thought you would get a different answer for. 
If all Christians had the backbone of Prejean our liberal nation would benefit greatly.
547. Ann | 04.24.09
Ms Prejean,
You go Girl! Thank you for being honest. Thank you for being truthful. The question should NOT have been asked. Those who are voicing opinion’s against you forget “freedom of speech.” How come that Freedom is only for those who voice the same opinions.
May God continue to bless you in whatever you do.
548. Nomad | 04.24.09
Perez Hilton is to the Miss America Pageant what Paula Abdul is to American Idol
549. Stephanie | 04.24.09
First of all, she did say “No offense to anyone”.
Second, even if she didn’t, I still do not understand what all of the outrage is about. She said her opinion. She was not telling anyone to change or what they should do. She just answered a question.
I don’t watch television very much, but I do know that there are opinions expressed on tv frequently that I find much more offensive.
Go Miss CA! Focus on the positive and don’t let the negative get you down!
550. Johnny | 04.24.09
Anyone else find it odd that a gay man, someone who finds men more attractive than women, is the one deciding our Miss USA?
If you don’t find women attractive, then why are you judging who is most attractive?
551. Harold S. | 04.24.09
Actually, Rev, your response is typically defective. Why would you put words in her mouth about what she thinks about equality? You’re no better than Hilton and the though police.
552. Flynn | 04.24.09
If she were truly diplomatic, she would have simply said something like: “America is a democracy, and in a democracy, the majority decide on issues such as this one. I am an individual with my own beliefs and opinions, but I alone do not make such decisions. Therefore, I must answer that states should do whatever the majority decides. Thank you.”
Now THAT would have been a terrific answer, and she might have won.
553. Sal | 04.24.09
Where do you start? Perez Hilton, or whatever his real name is, should never be allowed to judge another Miss America Event. His question was unfair and, to me,it was an obvious attempt to interject his agenda into this event where it doesn’t belong. When two people of the same sex can make a baby,without outside interference, maybe Mr. Hilton will have an argument for same sex marriage, etc. If that ticks his supporters off now you know how the rest of us who believe in one man one woman marriage feel when you try to shove this inanity down our throat.
Why aren’t the judge’s questions reviewed before they are asked?
554. Matt S | 04.24.09
I don’t agree with her opinion but what should she have done, lied? If she offered this opinion on her own that would be different but she was asked the question. Political correctness is out of control these days.
555. Matt | 04.24.09
Miss California is not to represent herself when she wears a sash that indicates her state. Had she become Miss America, her response to Hilton’s question could not have represented America because, of the 50 states four have legalized same sex marriage. It is certainly the pageant’s goal of awarding and recognizing women that do not look ugly. Carrie Prejean gave a definitive response, which regardless of its political stance would offend others. But she gave a response, representing a state whose opinion has not only offended and alienated, but has realized to legally excluded others. And that is truly ugly.
556. Megan | 04.25.09
Miss Cal. should have won!!! She stood up 4 what is right, and now we’re all praying God will bless 4 it!!! God bless u Carrie!!
557. Ed Fuller | 04.25.09
It seems incredible to me that Miss California beleives in the traditional marriage and is persecuted for it. If I am not mistaken isn’t this the same view of Barak Obama? Where was the outrage when he stated his beliefs? This is such a political game.
558. GEJ | 04.25.09
552. Flynn,
1) America is not a democracy, it is a represenative republic.
2) If the majority did decided the issues, then there would be no such thing as “gay marriage” in any state except Vermont. In all other states the issue of “gay marriage” has been decreed by unelected judges.
3) The Entertainment Industry routinely invokes the 1st Amendment to protect any number of offensive, disgusting, production as “art”. Ms. Prejean views are (or should be) protected under that same 1st Amendment. What she said about “gay marriage” is a perfectly valid political view point. Its not like she pulled a “Michael Richards” on them or something like that!
“Perez Hilton’s” response to Ms Prejean is, sadly typical, of the way the Gay Elite view the rest of the non-gay world. It is a bitter, narcisistic, view filled with hate and envy. The only way they can achieve any kind of noteriety for themselves is by demeaning the true accomplishments of others.
559. La Jolla Ca | 04.25.09
I support Ms. Prejean for responding to a question that could not possibly have a right answer. The pageant is supposed to be an avenue for young women to be a role model for other woman. Opinions are merely that, opinions; and should not be used as a stakeholder for any type of contest. It strikes me that while those who oppose gay marriage are tolerent, those who support gay marriage are hateful of those who don’t. That’s the real issue to be addressed.
560. Jason | 04.26.09
The fact is that she is entitled to her opinion no matter how uninformed it maybe. People who are against gay marriage are ussually close minded and have merely recieved little education on the issue. The fact of the matter is disliking gay people is WRONG! Most likely fifty years ago the same people who are protesting gay rights today would be protesting black rights and ninty years ago womens rights. Society takes a long time to come around to anything. People who are against samesex marriage have to learn being gay isnt a choice nor is it wrong in anyway. Anyone can end up being gay , having a gay son or daughter niece, nephew, aunt, uncle or even friend. Take a walk in someone elses shoes for once. We live in a free country thank god but that doesnt give anyone an excuse to be uninformed , condisending and discriminary .
Having said that i can see why the directors of the miss california pageant would speak out against her. Shes basically blasting the dumb blonde stereotype . She is entitled to her opinion but that doesnt make what shes saying anyless wrong
561. Mary | 04.26.09
It is a sad reality that in the absence of scientific data we accept moral objections as reasoning.
She missed a golden opportunity to educate the public that the scientific community has established that homosexuality is congenital as result of feminzation of the brain during the first trimester of pregnancy and not a lifestyle choice. That a statistical model has been done (538.com) that projects by 2012 almost half of the 50 states would vote against a marriage
ban, including several states that had previously voted to ban it. That it is possible there is a direct correlation between this scientific data that has been accumulating since the 90’s and awareness that translates into acceptance.
That as a moral society we are obligated to remove the social stigmatization of homosexuality that results in high suicide rate among homosexual teenagers. That these are Gods children. An opportunity missed to promote compassion and acceptance.
562. alex | 04.26.09
She gave her intolerant opinion and she got what was coming to her. I’m glad she isn’t crying about it, and I’m glad she won’t get to represent a progressive state like California, or a progressive country like the United States of America. (It’s a shame about all the poorly-educated, church-headed minorities here, especially in a place like California. It took a black candidate to get their lazy hides to the voting booth–in droves–so they could vote Democrat with one hand and fear and intolerance with the other. May they each have a gay son or daughter to show them the light.)
563. BrianD | 04.26.09
I am happy with her answer and obviously think more people should speak up on there christian values and upbringings. Marriage is suppose to be between a man and a woman it is clearly stated! So this just sickens me, she should have won, once again it is a way of taking God out of our country. The U.S was founded upon “In God We Trust” and yet this **** is going on.
564. Ed Thoreson | 04.27.09
I must say this is one sad state that we have enter I think that what Miss California said in what she believes in, is her rights and like her am one that think same sex marrige is wrong, and that any judge that thinks its right should be removed from his or her seat If God had wanted us to live with one sex I think he would have not made but one sex
565. Kelly | 04.27.09
one thing im confused about… WHY ASK THE QUESTION IF THERE IS ONLY ONE TOLERABLE ANSWER??…whyyyyyyy ask the question then… i am at a loss for words..
566. GEJ | 04.27.09
561. Mary
Claiming that homosexuality is predetermined via some nebulous “feminization of the brain during the first trimester” is totally irrelevant. (And of course, it does little to explain the source of lesbianism).
Just because a person is not responsible for his (or hers) anti-social behavior, doesn’t mean that the State should make it legal!
There are many people who “can’t help what they do” (or so they say!). Just because some people feel compelled to rob banks, does that mean we should legalize “undocumented withdraws” from financial institutions?
567. M3 | 04.27.09
And so the so-called “tolerant” showcase themselves to be the most in-tolerant.
I applaud Ms. Prejean for upholding her beliefs. It’s unfortunate that she may have lost because of her choice to exercise Free Speech — because of this, those in charge of determining winners for such competitions have lost my respect.
As for Hilton, this unfortunate soul is as biased and hypocritical as they get. The gay community has done so much express their determination in spreading love and tolerance, but here, they neglected to send this individual the memo. Because of this individual, I have to look at the gay community in a whole new light.
Ms. Prejean, you have my love and respect. I hope others will also demonstrate bravery as you did on stage during your competition.
568. Eric Roberts | 04.29.09
I believe in freedom.I believe in the constitution.I believe in standing up for what you believe no matter what the cost.Our four fathers believed in freedom as well and what happened to this great American lady had nothing to do with freedom.The miss U.S.A. contest has become a platform to sale a agenda that the vast majority of America do not agree with.Im not going to watch it no more.
569. Anthony | 05.01.09
I am sick of the reverse racisim in this country. We are beginning to become afraid to let people know how we really feel because of the heat we will take. If you don’t believe in gay marriage, then you are homophobic. If you don’t like the President’s policies then you do not like black people. It’s rediculous! Stick up for your beliefs. Perez Hilton knew what he was doing and he wanted that answer from her so he could draw attention to himself try to rally people around his beliefs.
570. Matt | 05.04.09
It is possible that I respect this woman more than anyone I have ever met in my life. Why give an answer if you are only giving that answer to say what people want to hear? Where is the dignity in that? Not only do I agree with her answer 100% of the way, there is nothing more honorable than standing up for your beliefs, especially infront of an entire nation full of liberal “yay for equality” sissies.
571. ann | 05.06.09
she lost because she lost…she was second and not the front runner before the question..she actually came in third in swimsuit and second in evening gown and with the numbers totaled she was in second to the winner…she was lucky she came in second at all after her poorly constructed answer…regardless of the content, she was poorly spoken and didn’t even make sense.
even donald trump said her numbers were not winning numbers before the question.
additionally we now find out she is a big liar…and signed a contract that said she has never been photographer nude or partially nude…so she is guilty of fraud as well…
572. ann | 05.06.09
PS
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!!!!!!! reagardless of anyone’s personal religious view, it has no real place in making law or decisions in our country.
She is not brave she is ignorant, biased and a hater
The woman has no compassion or grace and should lose the sash and crown
further…she was not asked for her personal opionion which she has a right to state, she was asked if other states should follow…
ok, even if she gives her personal beliefs, remember, one must take the consequences with their actions..her action and answer was offensive to many human beings and so…she needs to live with it…and once again, she lost because she was not scored as high as the winner even before the question so she did not lose the crown, she just didn’t win it!
573. JPAT73 | 05.07.09
She answered the question in a non inclusive way. based on her personal beliefs. Though I do not agree with her answer she did speak open and honestly. I just wish she would have constructed her answer more inclusive of all the people she represents, which could have been done along with her personal beliefs. As for the latest up dates about the partially nude photos, rules are rules and she breeched the contract, take the crown and sash !!! That part has nothing to do with her statment that has to do with lying to get in the Miss USA system she knew she had posed topless before entering the pageant system. TAKE THE CROWN TAKE THE SASH!
574. Mike M | 05.16.09
If she compromised her beliefs and gave the PC answer no one would be upset. But because she stuck with her VALUES she was hung out to dry. Would you gays please at least act like you are a litle tolerant of others like you want every one else to be toward you and your beliefs. You are not the morale group you try to portray. Act like adults not spoiled brats
576. Ethan | 06.20.09
She answered the question honestly; the problem is that she was honest, and didn’t tell them what they wanted to hear. Now people can be bashed by the media for disagreeing with others.
577. Flu-Bird | 08.09.09
So she cant object to this gay marrage junk without a bunch of liberal jerks screaming like stuck pigs over it THE STUPID JUDGE SHOULD BE MADE TO APPOLIGISE THEN RESIGN
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5. Powerline on Miss California: The Occult Meaning of “Controversial” | The Kansas Progress | 04.23.09
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. AdamG | 04.20.09
There are so many things wrong with having Perez Hilton as a judge for the Miss America pageant I don’t know where to begin. Furthermore, weren’t the judges’ questions reviewed beforehand? It seems like a controversial topic for something as “wholesome” as a beauty pageant. Miss California voiced her opinion, and paid for it. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it real. I don’t agree with her stance on the subject, but it really pales in comparison to her ability to wear a bikini and read from a teleprompter.