Just for the record the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints did not decide its position on marriage when the amendments for this November's ballots were proposed. The definition of marriage for the church is as old as "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." The church has publicly voiced its opinion on its definition since at least The Proclamation on the Family. published 13 years ago.
Singling out the church is wrong. The personal attacks on the church prove nothing more than the intolerance that the opposition is claiming against the church.
Kate Kendell, executive director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights said. "We need everyday Californians who are willing to write checks and make the financial sacrifice for their beliefs." SO let me get this right... it is ok for those that opposed Prop 8, to "sacrifice for their beliefs." Yet those that supported Proposition 8 financially are not making a "sacrifice for their beliefs" they are merely bigots. EVERYDAY Californians did write checks, and did vote. And if this were really about money shouldn't the opposing vote won. I have read in several different places that the YES for 8 raised between 31 and 32 million where as the No on 8 raised between 37 and 38 million. Yes I do recognize that church members donated the majority, but that was a personal choice as individual citizens. If I misunderstood this, let me know.
I have tried over and over not to get unnerved by the injustice of the situation, but it escapes me. How is such behavior tolerated? If these protests happened outside of synagogues, people would be all over it being antisemitic. The church formed part of a coalition of churches.
And what about the other marriage amendments passed in Arizona, Florida, and other states. They passed without the huge financial donations on either side. I am much more appalled at the amendment passed in Florida which grants no rights to same-sex couples, and it bans civil unions altogether. I believe that these couples are entitled to rights, but I do believe that the church has the right to believe that marriage is between man and a woman. Please forgive my ignorance, but what rights do civil unions lack that marriages have? Part of my understanding is that they are not recognized in other states, they do not receive the same tax benefits, and federal benefits, such as survivor benefits through Social Security. Legally I believe that they are entitled to those rights.
If it is cause worth fighting for, keep fighting. I believe everyone has the right to their opinions. It is fine to be disappointed, but placing blame on the minority of one state is unfair. Let's have some mutual respect here, disrespecting places that I consider sacred does not prove that one side or the other is right. I know this is not as articulate as I would like, but hopefully my point is understood.
4 comments:
Well said. I couldn't agree more.
Well written my friend. I feel that the issue has gotten out of hand on both sides. I have tried my hardest to stay out of this issue as well. But, with recent vandalism to churches along the Wasatch Front and the "white powder" incidents in both LA and Salt Lake temples, I can't be silent any longer. I know we need to have equality and all people should be entitled to their rights. But, terrorism in ANY facet is asinine and petty. Your entry speaks truth on both sides. I wish other could see it this way as well.
You say it perfectly! I totally agree-thanks for writing this!
Well said Katherine. You expressed your thoughts very well and should have no regrets sharing them. I'm proud of you. And, of course, I agree 100%
p.s. what "white powder" incidents is spencer referring to?
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