NOH8 logo

Over 3,000 people so far have had their photos taken as models with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by the passing of Proposition 8 in California and similar legislation around the world, with “NOH8″ painted on one cheek in protest. (Regarding that logo “NOH8″, the “H” stands for “Hate”, as this is a “No Hate” campaign and the “8″ stands for Proposition 8).

Background info from the website, www.noh8campaign.com: “On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response."

The NOH8 Campaign is a "photographic silent protest” created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his West Hollywood partner Jeff Parshley, as they wanted to bring publicity for the need for marriage equality for gays/lesbians. Parshley has stated that the duct tape over the mouth represented the 48% of Californians who favored marriage equality, and yet were “silenced” when Prop. 8 passed.

Perhaps two of the most famous NOH8 models have been Cindy McCain (2nd wife of Arizona U.S.Senator John McCain, who is up for re-election in November, 2010) and their daughter Meghan McCain. Congratulations to these McCain women for their courage to stand up for equality in marriage and civil rights for the GLBT community.

Cindy McCain photographed by Adam Bouska

You too can contact info@noh8campaign.com, to inquire about having your face duct taped and added to this campaign.

Check out the website for their online Store, to purchase the usual campaign paraphernalia: t-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons, and even tattoos, with the “NOH8″ logo, pictured above.

Sidenote: U.S. Senator John McCain will be bringing newly elected U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) to Tucson tomorrow for 2 events at the Arizona Inn, and the Manning House. Information on his campaign website above.