Gay Ohio entrepreneur and political activist Jonathan Lewis issued a challenge of sorts to Los Angeles's entertainment industry Tuesday -- raise $500,000 for No on Prop. 8, and he and his family will match the contributions dollar for dollar. Sources close to the Lewis family say Jonathan became particularly interested in California’s Proposition 8 after Brad Pitt’s $100,000 contribution. Reports that followed suggested a number of key entertainment figures had yet to give.If passed, Prop. 8 would rescind marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples in California. The constitutional amendment would override the state supreme court’s landmark May 15 ruling deeming California’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
"With Election Day five weeks away, we are concerned that the entertainment industry hasn't stepped up to the plate to fight this unnecessary initiative,” Lewis said in a statement. “We are pleased to see the leadership of Brad Pitt and Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg. Now it's time for the entertainment industry as a whole to take the lead.
"My family and I are issuing a $500,000 challenge to the entertainment industry. We will match the next half-million dollars that entertainment industry leaders contribute. This is an urgent time in the campaign, and we have to act now."
Lewis added that the match also applies to any contributions made to the fight against Florida’s similar Proposition 2.
As of Tuesday, fund-raising efforts for Yes on 8 appear to be $5 million ahead of contributions to No on 8.
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