by , 3:10 PM EDT, October 24th, 2008

Apple has been traditionally parsimonious with its money, at least publicly, in the support of various political movements. The company has changed its tune, however, and has announced that they oppose California's Proposition 8, which would seek to ban marriage between same-sex partners.

The ballot initiative would change California's constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in that state and add a new section that says "...only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

In a statement issued on Apple's Hot News site on Friday, Apple said:

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees' same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person's fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Sergey Brin, on behalf of Google, has also publicly opposed Proposition 8.