You prefer Illinois or Central Valley, California?
Posted on 11/05/2008 8:13:50 PM PST by Grig
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.
Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.
We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
You prefer Illinois or Central Valley, California?
Wow the Mormon Church backed a Gay Marriage Amendment and were instrumental in getting it to pass? Why, I thought they were all polygamous non-Christians? Hmmm maybe shouldn’t have smeared Mitt Romney along with a reliably pro-Conservative voting bloc.
Oh well. Mitt Romney deserved it for not being a conservative since birth. The wilderness, here we come!
The church this, the church that, the church, the church.
I don’t think that being married in the church was the issue concerning gays. I think it was being married at all, which could be accomplished by a Justice of the Peace in a civil ceremony.
I know that gay sex can seem pretty weird, but in an overpopulated world that is running out of resources (note recent high prices) perhaps it makes a certain amount of sense. After all, it is not as if the human population is in any danger of shrinking unless there is a major catastrophe of some kind. Today’s conditions are not those of 2,000 years ago.
Gentlemen ... the LDS Church is a Rock with a foundation. Ridicule it ... but it has been around for nearly 200 years and keeps getting bigger, and will be an even greater percentage of the population in another 100 years, there’s something in it that you frankly are too insensitive, hypocritical or biggoted to understand!
PROP 8 PASSES.....THIS IS GOING TO MAKE THEIR HEADS EXPLODE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bwoeNYZP_Q
This is hardly red meat stuff. The LDS really just has a public relations piece here. I’m proud of them for taking a stand at all.
Us hard liners are going to have to make peace with the Mormons as a first stride toward building some kind of new coalition from this mess.
Face it, Hell will freeze over before a Democrat carries Utah. They must be doing something right.
So you think that gay sex which spreads a fatal disease is a great cure for overpopulation? Other people prefer war, famine or abortion. With BO, we'll quite probably get all of them. Rejoice!
Three other societies exhibited rapid declines, the Roman, medieval Arabic and 20th century English when homosexuality flourished in the ruling elite.
Among other rotten ideas, the next Congress will likely pass a homosexual marriage act.
LOL!
“Us hard liners are going to have to make peace with the Mormons as a first stride toward building some kind of new coalition from this mess.”
Yes. In matters of political policy, there is no real difference between Mormons and Evangelicals. Letting the other stuff get in the way is foolish. We Mormons are willing to respectfully work together with you guys on the areas of common concern. Let’s get it done.
“So you hink that gay sex which spreads a fatal disease is a great cure for overpopulation?”
No, I think that having few or no children is a great cure for overpopulation. Spreading a fatal disease is extremely costly in health care and other resources. High levels of promiscuity are what spread disease, as does the rampant prostitution in certain parts of Africa where far traveling truck drivers congregate and use their services. In fact the heterosexual spread of AIDS first broke out here in Belle Glade, Florida, a very poor black community with many trucks traveling through.
Gay marriage helps reduce promiscuity and promotes stability in relationships, which lowers the spread of AIDS and the attendant health care and other costs.
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