On the heels of yesterday’s news that staunch advocate for traditional marriage and contributor to California’s Proposition 8 Papa Doug Manchester has been granted a legal separation from his wife Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Manchester, who filed for divorce in August, we learn the American Psychological Association has cancelled its August meeting at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.

The hotel has been under boycott, now in its second year, launched by an alliance of labor and LGBT groups, including Californians Against Hate, Equality California, Courage Campaign, Unite Here and others. Fred Karger, founder of Californians Against Hate, has estimated that the Manchester-owned property is losing a million dollars per month in bookings — a charge Manchester’s representatives limply deny.

Manchester contributed $125,000.00 in seed money to bankroll signature gathering for Prop 8, the ballot proposition that would — with massive infusions of Mormon cash and backing from a number of fanatical anti-gay religious organizations and cults — eliminate the existing right of California gay and lesbian couples to marry.

Here’s the press release from the APA:

Office of Public Affairs
American Psychological Association
(202) 336-5700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 23, 2010

APA Council Votes to Move Its August Meeting Out of the Manchester Hyatt Hotel

(Washington, DC) — The Council of Representatives, the major legislative body of the American Psychological Association, will not meet at the Manchester Hyatt Hotel during the Association’s August 2010 Convention. In response to a donation to the Proposition 8 campaign by the owner of the Manchester Hyatt, Doug Manchester, a number of APA Divisions and members voiced concerns about APA’s use of the hotel during its annual meeting.

“Today’s decision allows Council to make an important statement that it stands in solidarity with the LGBT community and its allies in protest of Mr. Manchester’s political views. Members of our Council will now not be faced with having to choose between their responsibilities as members of Council and their wish to express their opposition to Mr. Manchester’s action by not entering his hotel,” said APA President Dr. Carol Goodheart.

APA is not calling for a general boycott of the Hyatt hotel but will make every effort to provide choices to members or groups who do not want to use the Hyatt hotel. Other lodging and meeting space will be available.

“It is important that we be respectful of the decisions of individuals; those who choose to stay at the Hyatt and those who do not,” said Goodheart.

In addition, APA plans to use the meeting to highlight the Association’s policy statement in support of same-sex marriage and the science that supports that position.