In a clear attempt to smear Miss California Carrie Prejean for promoting traditional marriage, a photo hardly as suggestive as many lingerie ads was released on the Internet on May 4. The caption for the picture that appeared on The Dirty.com clearly showed that the intent was to embarrass and discredit Prejean for her view on the issue of same-sex marriage:
"Exclusive: Self-proclaimed bible thumper Miss California, Carrie Prejean, should start pointing the finger at herself for her own indiscretions. TheDirty.com has received exclusive images of the homophobic debutante that would clearly strip her of her Miss California crown. So much for being a good role model for the state of California Carrie. Looks like your Dirty photo shoot makes you a sinner too. I decided."
Celebrity blogger and gay activist Perez Hilton, who precipitated the controversy by questioning Prejean about gay marriage while he was judging last month's Miss USA pageant, also posted the photo on his blog and taunting: "The Lord works in mysterious ways! Opposite marriage advocate Miss California, Carrie Prejean, topless and in some cute pink panties. Is that biblically correct????"
Prejean responded in a statement released to the media on May 4:
"I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be."
Miss California continued to say that these are intimidation tactics being used to undermine her reputation and silence her beliefs. After signing on as spokesman for the National Organization for Marriage and saying "I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect marriage," these photos were released.
Maggie Gallagher, President of the National Organization for Marriage, also responded, stating in a press release that "Because Carrie honestly said what she believed in answer to a question--marriage is the union of a man and a woman-- she is now the subject of ongoing character assassination. The level of hatred directed at her is astonishing."
After the April 19 pageant Hilton said "Miss California lost because she's a dumb b---h," and had plenty of other insults for her. Hilton continued to use this as a platform to promote gay marriage.
Hilton and Prejean's other tormenters haven't explained how the photos are in any relevant to her (respectfully stated) belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Even though a majority of Californians and even President Obama agree with Prejean, she has become a convenient target for the hatred and bitterness of many on the left.
