Towleroad has obtained a letter sent to Brigette Browning, President of Local Union 30 UNITE HERE, regarding Clinton’s speech over the weekend at the San Diego Manchester Grand Hyatt which was picketed by hundreds of activists angry that the former President was disrespecting a boycott over Hyatt owner Doug Manchester’s contributions to Proposition 8.
Says Clinton’s chief-of-staff Laura Graham in the letter, dated Friday:
“[Clinton] was in no way involved in choosing the venue nor was he aware of the controversy related to it until we received your letter last week. As you know, President Clinton shares many of your concerns and wishes this event could have taken place elsewherre. Upon receiving you letter, we made several attempts to change the venue. Unfortunately, the hosting organization responded that they were unable to do so, and President Clinton believes he should honor his contractual obligation. President Clinton has a long-standing record of support for the LGBT community. He strongly opposed Proposition 8, speaking out against it, and recording calls to California voters urging them to defeat it. He still opposes it and hopes it can be reversed.”
Full text of letter, AFTER THE JUMP…
Earlier
Bill Clinton Crosses Proposition 8 Picket Line in San Diego [tr]
Bill Clinton letter regarding Prop 8 Boycott of Manchester Grand Hyatt
