One month after California, Florida and Arizona passed laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, opponents of such legislation took action Wednesday.

An estimated 250,000 Americans joined the “Day Without a Gay” protest, skipping work, but not by calling in sick. Instead, they are calling in “gay” to express support for the cause of same-sex marriage.

We’re taking a look at perspectives of the ‘Day Without A Gay’ protest from Facebook, the Los Angeles Times, Real Clear Politics, the Salt Lake Tribune and others.

The Facebook event page for “Day Without A Gay” calls for:

“a nationwide strike and economic boycott by all Gays, Lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, AND OUR STRAIGHT ALLIES.” (Facebook)

The Los Angeles Times reports that the idea for the protest was first proposed by one of its columnists, Joel Stein, and finds its inspiration in similar work stoppages by Latino immigrants.

“After Stein wrote a Nov. 14 column proposing the idea (which he said he got from a friend), activists seized upon it and chose Dec. 10, which is International Human Rights Day.” (The Los Angeles Times)

Event coordinators Sean Hetherington and boyfriend Aaron Hartzler are encouraging people to call in gay, refrain from spending money, and volunteer for LGBT and human rights organizations instead. But as Real Clear Politics reports, not everybody supports this.

“It’s extra-challenging for people to think about taking off work as a form of protest, given that we are talking about people who may not be out (as gay) at work, and given the current economic situation and job market,” said Jules Graves, 38, coordinator of the Colorado Queer Straight Alliance.
But protestors are hoping that in light of the fragile economy, the public will be more likely to recognize the significance of the protest.
“This is about continuing to press upon the general public that we take our rights very seriously. In fact, our rights are worth more to us than our wallets. Even in this tough economic time, we feel that it’s important to make this statement.” (RealClearPolitics)

Employers, on the other hand, might not appreciate the nationwide movement. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that…

“Utah lesbians and gays who join a national movement and skip work today by ‘calling in gay’ are risking their jobs. Besides missing a shift in a slumping economy during the holiday season, employees can be fired in the Beehive State simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).” (The Salt Lake Tribune)

The protest also elicits negative feelings regardless of the economy. On the discussion board at daywithoutagay.org, some responses go beyond the issue of the shaky economy.

“Being Gay is a Sin“ said one anonymous poster.
Another anonymous poster said “For goodness sake, please do not stop with one DAY!!! please make it 365, not just ONE!” 
Others on the site noted that they did not want to jeopardize their jobs, and would not participate, but they did support the cause. (Daywithoutagay.org)

In Britain, one Times Online reader from Edinburgh asks…

“Should we all protest about those laws we don’t agree with by taking a day off work?” (The Times)
 
Protestor Bruce Ivie tells the Associated Press yes.

“We’re not doing anything. I’m not answering the phone tomorrow, unless I know that it’s a gay person who calls.” (AP)

Do you think the Day Without Gay protest will have an impact?

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