Gay LDS urge church not to fight ruling

A support group for gay Mormons urged church leaders Wednesday to stay on the sidelines after the California Supreme Court said same-sex marriage there is legal.

The church, which teaches that gay sex is a sin, has expressed disappointment in the recent ruling. Some critics and conservative groups want to overturn it through a constitutional amendment.

In a statement Wednesday, the executive director of Affirmation said he hopes church leaders would not "use their energies and their funds" to overturn a ruling that affirms the worth of families or meddle in politics that demonizes gays.

"Rather work with us to counsel and assist individuals and families who have been devastated by the church's teachings that have caused family members to reject their children who are gay," Olin Thomas wrote.

"We encourage LDS leaders to find a new focus by preaching and living a Gospel of love and respect toward all peoples and all families," he said of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

California, meanwhile, issued a directive Wednesday that said same-sex couples will be able to wed in the state beginning June 17.

The state said it chose June 17 because the state Supreme Court has until the day before to decide whether to grant a stay of its May 15 ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Gay-rights advocates and some clerks initially thought couples would be able to wed as early as June 14. The court's decisions typically take effect 30 days after they are made.

The guidelines from Janet McKee, chief of California's office of vital records, to the state's 58 county clerks also contained copies of new marriage forms that include lines for "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bride and groom. The gender-neutral nomenclature was developed in consultation with county clerks, according to the letter.

Thomas said the California ruling doesn't affect LDS Church doctrine or the sacred ceremonies conducted in Latter-day Saint temples, which bind couples for eternity.

"This is about civil marriage as an institution of the state — a legal institution based on core societal values, such as the worth and dignity of the family unit," Thomas said. "Religions are not being asked to marry anyone they don't want to marry."

Kim Farah, a spokeswoman for the 13-million member denomination, said church leaders had no comment Wednesday.