Evanston's Century Theatre comes under fire for CEO's 'Yes on 8' contribution

Chicago, IL - Outrage over the passage of Proposition 8 in California spurred protest rallies in small communities and major cities Saturday, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, where gay-rights advocates targeted local businesses and individuals that contributed to the "Yes on 8" campaign with rally speakers calling for boycotts.

During the Chicago rally in Federal Plaza Saturday, Cinemark-owned Century Theatre in Evanston, IL became a lightning rod in the local debate over gay rights. Turns out Alan Stock, CEO of movie chain Cinemark donated almost $10,000 to Yes on 8.

The 47-year-old Stock, who lives in Utah, is CEO of Cinemark which is one of the largest theater chains in the country.

Earlier this week, John Aravosis, editor of political blog Americablog, posted a story calling for the boycott of the gay-friendly Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah noting that Sundance uses Cinemark-owned Holiday Village Cinema as one of its biggest screening venues.

"Your Sundance registration money is quite literally helping to subsidize a donation to Yes on 8," said Aravosis.

Gay-rights advocates say boycotts work. In Sacramento, theater director Scott Eckern resigned from the California Musical Theatre when his donation to Yes on 8 was revealed.

Chicago's Gay Liberation Network is calling for a boycott of Century Theatre, 1715 Maple Street in Evanston, and plans a protest on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. (Event Details)

"Don't support haters with your money," read a flyer circulated about Century Theatre during yesterday's rally.

A national organizer is also planning boycotts of the Cinemark-owned and operated Century, CinéArts and Tinseltown theater chains.