From Deseret News archives:
Gay-marriage supporters protest at Arizona LDS temple
They were upset with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' opposition to same-sex marriage and the passage of state constitutional amendments banning gay marriage in Arizona, California and Florida in the Nov. 4 election. LDS Church leaders urged members to support the gay-marriage bans through fundraising and grass-roots organizing.
"They're shining their light, we're shining ours," said Bobby Parker, a gay Mormon who organized the event.
Many members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community view Mormon votes and dollars as the deciding factor behind the passage of Proposition 102 in Arizona and Proposition 8 in California.
Proposition 102 amends the Arizona Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman and maintains the current statutory laws that ban gay marriage in Arizona. Proposition 8 amended the California Constitution in a similar way and nullified a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed gay marriage.
Members of the LDS Church contributed about $3 million of the $8 million raised in the "Yes on 102" campaign to amend the Arizona Constitution, according to the East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune.
Community members and organizers spread word of Friday night's vigil through the Internet and by word of mouth. Protesters holding candles, rainbow flags, peace signs and banners with the words love, acceptance and harmony gathered at a park in support of gay marriage rights.
Others raised concerns that political and religious suppression of gay rights contributed to the suicide of religious gay teens, and many were upset about church involvement in political affairs.
Many counter-protesters said the core definition of a family was at risk from gay marriage. Others said their rights as a voter would be violated if the recent Nov. 4 decision were to be overturned.
