Knights of Columbus tip the balance with big anti-gay marriage donation | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times

Knights of Columbus tip the balance with big anti-gay marriage donation | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times

:49 PM, August 20, 2008
It's official -- opponents of gay marriage have raised more cash in support of Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative, than gay marriage supporters, who have vowed to defeat the Nov. 4 ballot measure.

A contribution by the Connecticut-based Knights of Columbus of $1.25 million on Aug. 14 put Proposition 8 supporters within striking distance of opponents. Yesterday, another infusion of cash from groups and individuals who oppose same-sex marriage put them ahead in the money race.

Our own Maloy Moore is following the money in a pair of data bases she helped create, which she updates daily. On Aug. 14, when the Knights of Columbus made their contribution, the totals were $7,599,137 for opponents and $7,165,565 for supporters, Maloy said. (Through Aug. 13 it was $7.574,637 to $5,944,790.) As of 4 p.m. yesterday, supporters passed opponents, she said.

You can look at total contributions within the state, broken down by county, or you can search the nationwide data base (use abbreviations for the states) for an illuminating look at money flowing to both sides of the issue.

We'll keep you apprised of major changes in the flow of cash. As for the photo, that's George Bush, a fierce gay marriage opponent, speaking to the 122nd annual Knights of Columbus convention in Dallas in August 2004.

--Veronique de Turenne