"I increasingly see organized religion as actually my enemy. They treat me as their enemy," said the British actor, who came out 20 years ago. "Not all Christians, of course. Not all Jews, not all Muslims. But the leaders. . . . Why should I take the judgment of a declared celibate about my sexual needs? He's basing his judgment on laws that would fit life in the Bronze Age. So if I'm lost to God, organized religion is to blame."

McKellen revealed his sexuality at age 49 on a British radio show during a debate about anti-gay legislation. He says it's the most important thing he's ever done, and when he's not acting, he spends much of his time lobbying for gay rights. He visits schools in England as part of a program to prevent gay bullying. When he finds a Bible in a hotel room, he rips out the passage in Leviticus that condemns homosexuality.

In his view, Hollywood still hasn't come that far in its attitude toward gays.

"There are still times in my life where I pull back from being totally honest," he said quietly, "and I can't imagine a single straight person who would understand that."

Porterville was the only city in California to officially endorse Prop 8.

But now, with the effort to overturn Prop 8 underway local activists want the council to know they do not represent everyone in Porterville.

The Porterville City Council got an earful from residents who said the council's public support of Prop 8, hurt them.

Jamie Garza and her wife say the council's action was like declaring open season on gays in Porterville.

They suffered verbal assaults, and tire slashing.

Pediatrician, Dr. Katherine Hall said the council's action was psychologically damaging to young gay people who already feel alienated.

Demi Moore, twittering as mrskutcher: "Heartbreaking CA Supreme Court decision. I am ashamed. Let's raise some $ for a new ballot measure next year. I know we can do this."

Nicky Hilton, as MissNickyHilton: "This is disgusting. rejectprop8"

Ashlee Simpson, twittering as ashsimpsonwentz: " . . . So sad that California is backwards. Lame. So Lame . . ."

Emmy Rossum, as herself: "check out the calif. prop 8 transcript. We are a progressive state no more :( Iowa is now way cooler… "

And Ellen DeGeneres, as TheEllenShow: "Equality please."

Several of its heavyweights opened their wallets to oppose the [California Marriage Amendment] last year. Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw gave $100,000. So did Brad Pitt. [Ellen] DeGeneres made a public service announcement urging voters to oppose the ballot initiative and purchased $100,000 of television commercial time for her ad.

Many on the No on 8 side are also trying to figure out what went wrong with their campaign.

Leaders of the Yes on 8 campaign say their supporters have become the victims of threats, blacklisting, violence and vandalism, with churches desecrated, supporters told they are bigots and businesses and individuals picketed and harassed because they contributed money to the Yes on 8 campaign.

The Rev. Susan Russell, an Episcopal priest at All Saints Church in Pasadena and a lesbian, said that supporters on both sides have engaged in some "unfortunate acts" but that the Yes on 8 side is trying to exploit those in a campaign of "disinformation."

Should there be boycotts, blacklists, firings or de facto shunning of those who supported Proposition 8?

That's the issue consuming many in liberal Hollywood who fought to defeat the initiative banning same-sex marriage and are now reeling with recrimination and dismay.

Meanwhile, activists continue to comb donor lists and employ the Internet to expose those who donated money to support the ban.

Araki says Raddon should step down. "I don't think he should be forcibly removed. The bottom line is if he contributed money to a hateful campaign against black people, or against Jewish people, or any other minority group, there would be much less excusing of him. The terrible irony is that he runs a film festival that is intended to promote tolerance and equality."

One is Chad Griffin, a political advisor to Hollywood executives who says, "A dollar to the yes campaign is a dollar in support of bigotry, homophobia and discrimination."

Melissa Etheridge: "Okay. So Prop 8 passed. Alright, I get it. Fifty-one percent of you think that I am a second class citizen. Alright then. So my wife, uh I mean, roommate? Girlfriend? Special lady friend? You are gonna have to help me here because I am not sure what to call her now."

Christina Aguilera spoke out against Proposition 8 during an MTV interview.
"It just doesn't make sense to me why you would put so much money behind something that stopped people from loving each and bonding together ..."

Loni Anderson is among many celebrities who were in a No on 8 Youtube presentation -
"I just recently got married myself to the person of my choice, and I would've been very upset if someone said that I couldn't do it."

On Margaret Cho's blog, she states: "The fact that there is now a ban on gay marriage just kills my spirit, hurts my heart."

Marissa Jaret Winokur is among many celebrities who were in a No on 8 Youtube presentation - "I'm voting No on 8 because everyone deserves to be happy."

Dana Delaney is among many celebrities who were in a No on 8 Youtube presentation -
"There is a difference between having civil union and marriage."

Samantha Ronson, on the passing of Prop 8 (and the passing an animal rights bill) on her MySpace blog: "Yes, i am glad that the chickens will have more room and better conditions as they wait to die, but i just think it's frightening that people show more compassion for tomorrow's dinner than for the chef."

I always suspected that you only tolerated the democratic process as long as it furthered your causes. I never thought you would admit it.

I was wrong.

Today you called the outcome of a democratic process you don't like the tyranny of the majority. What would you have called it if Proposition 8 had been defeated? A benevolent dictatorship?

Perhaps it would benefit everyone if voters were required to pass a basic civics lesson before they were allowed to decide on initiatives that tell others how to live.

It is alarming that certain supporters of Proposition 8 are threatening to seek the recall of justices of the California Supreme Court who vote to invalidate Proposition 8.

Many celebrities grieved the passing of Proposition 8 in California this week. Some - such as Wanda Sykes, Rose McGowen and Lance Bass - attended a Wednesday protest criticizing the state's gay marriage ban. Others - like Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, Samantha Ronson and Melissa Etheridge - vented their frustrations online, on TV, and onstage.

Blocks away from the Thursday rally of more than 2,000 gay-rights advocates outside the gates of a Mormon temple, several stars - including James Cromwell, Patricia Clarkson, Anjelica Huston and Sean Penn - said they supported the protesters while walking the red carpet at the BAFTA L.A. Brittania Awards at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.

Etheridge, who exchanged vows with her longtime partner in a 2003 ceremony, declared she wouldn't pay her taxes in a blog entry posted Thursday on TheDailyBeast.com.