I am struggling with this whole Prop 8 situation. I feel... torn. I am angry at people who claim to want equality and to be treated equally in persecuting just one faith- one religion. A religion that I belong to and LOVE so much. Yet, I understand how my friends and family could feel the way they feel when it comes to get Prop 8 passed, but under no circumstances do I condone what the people of the gay community throughout this nation have done. They are persucuting one set of faith just as they have been persecuted. It is hypocritical and heartbreaking.
For those of you who are not sure what this is- let me explain.
"Proposition 8 is a California State ballot proposition that would amend the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. It would overturn a recent California Supreme Court decision that had recognized same-sex marriage in California as a fundamental right. The official ballot title language for Proposition 8 is "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry." The entirety of the text to be added to the constitution is: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."" -Wikipedia.com And this Prop passed 52.4% to 47.6%.
Now there are a lot of people who are blaming the LDS Church for the pass of the proposition. I am bewildered by this. They say that the Church itself gave over $20 MILLION dollars to the campaigning of YES on Prop 8. Not true. Do your research. There were LDS MEMBERS who gave donations and helped support what they believed to be true. (I am getting more agitated as I write this and do my own research) It wasn't the Church itself to give money. If you also did your research- "Any notion that Tuesday's election represented a liberal juggernaut must overcome a detail from the voting booths of California: The same voters who turned out strongest for Barack Obama also drove a stake through the heart of same-sex marriage.
Seven in 10 African Americans who went to the polls voted yes on Proposition 8, the ballot measure overruling a state Supreme Court judgment that legalized same-sex marriage and brought 18,000 gay and lesbian couples to Golden State courthouses in the past six months." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27584685/
Just because money was given- as is in any election- by the people of the United States who have a right to do what they want and have a right to believe in what they want- doesn't mean it was their fault the Prop passed. Stop taking it out on a Church that has always been one to stand by their morals and not just change because things in this world are changing. It is one of the things that made me choose to convert. The LDS Church released this statement in regards to the protests:
"It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.
Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States — that of free expression and voting.
While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process.
Once again, we call on those involved in the debate over same-sex marriage to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other. No one on either side of the question should be vilified, harassed or subject to erroneous information."
"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." LDS.org
I also found this commercial that has been broadcasted in California. And this- this is the stuff that makes me the most angry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJYn3BoZkcQ
There needs to be a seperation of church and state. If the prop had been passed and the LDS church or ANY OTHER CHURCH had declined to recognize gay marriages because of their doctorine or values they would have lost state rights. It is OUR right as an AMERICAN to believe whatever it is that we want to believe. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE THE CONSTITUTION. It is a very thin line for this prop because it touches everyone of us. And I feel torn in which was to support this as I have many close friends who are gay or bi. I have family memebers who are gay. I was taught growing up to be tolerant. And so I choose to believe that gay couples should have the same rights as those who are straight. But I stand behind my Church in saying that they do not support gay couples in marriage as we believe that marriage, in definition, is between a man and a woman. But they do believe that gay couples should have the same rights as any married couple. I support this. I support my church and look down on those who have decided that this is the Church's fault and that the church itself has taken away rights. This is America and America has spoken- just like with Bush- just like with any other election. THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION (AND OF THIS STATE) VOTED! Lets find a common ground. There has to be one somewhere.
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