Deseret News | LDS Church backs marriage measure on California ballot

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LDS Church backs marriage measure on California ballot

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Anonymous | 8:18 a.m. June 30, 2008

**It will close doors and hearts eternally, that may have been open before, and it violates our own 11-13th articles of faith.**

So you know better than the Lord & his prophet what is best for this church, it's people, & all of mankind?? Those who are steadfast & immovable in following the mind & will of the Lord & his prophet, are not the ones who need to take a long look at themselves & are not the ones who are hypocritcal over this issue...

Again, bottom line, if you aren't for the Lord/his church, you are against him...plain & simple.

breeze | 8:34 a.m. June 30, 2008

sberg:

**Why on earth would anybody with an ounce of compassion fight against this?**

Why on earth would any faithful, steadfast & immovable LDS member fight the Lord & his prophet on this?? They wouldn't...if they do, it's themselves they need to question.

Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. June 30, 2008

**What I wonder is whether this letter is based on revelation or merely the opinions of men.**

More questioning/doubting the Lord's prophet?? Unbelievable.

**I'm wondering if I'm bound to follow this instruction or if I can in good conscience follow my own heart.**

Get on your knees & ask the Lord & he'll tell you. I hope he'll also help you see that questioning his chosen prophet is not what you should be doing.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. June 30, 2008

**Its funny how similar the comments I've run across remind me of things said in the Old and even New Testament. I wonder how often Moses was asked, "Are you really sure you talked to God or is it just your opinion that we should go to the desert". Or Jesus having to deal with the advice "You know if you weren't against that it would bring you a lot more followers. What your doing is really unpopular with the majority."**

How true!

Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. June 30, 2008

**Even Pres Hinckley stated that he did NOT KNOW if homosexuals were born that way. Does that sound like he has actually asked God for details about this issue? Why should we assume the questions have been asked and answered if they really haven't?**

So, he didn't know...what's that got to do with anything? Even if it's inborn, it's still a sin & the prophet will speak out against sin.

Anonymous | 9:44 a.m. June 30, 2008

Sarah, thanks for a great post!

Anonymous | 10:00 a.m. June 30, 2008

**You've never heard gay bashing in church before? I have. "They are trying to wreck society. They are sick and depraved and should be shot." There are more, but these are the ones I distinctly remember.**

That's terrible. Any LDS talking like that should be ashamed & disciplined by their bishop. The majority of LDS don't talk or think like that about any human being - gay or otherwise. Even though we feel gay marriage or that practicing homosexuality isn't right, doesn't mean we have any hateful feelings towards gay people.

in Idaho | 10:52 a.m. June 30, 2008

I am disheartened to read all the comments that call homosexuals "sinners". The Church teaches a person "judge not, lest ye be judged". The pride of some Church members may alone cause the weakening or fall of the Church. The strength of the Church depends on the desire of its people to follow the word of God. If the actions of those outside the Church could really cause its fall, then member just might have more to worried about then same-sex civil marriages.

Anonymous | 10:59 a.m. June 30, 2008

**If enough faithful in California walk out, perhaps the First Presidency will clarify if this is their opinion or divine revelation.**

If?? Our prophets have spoken out on those practicing homosexual lifestyles for a long time. Prophets are the Lord's mouthpiece to the world so why are LDS here looking for other opinions when the Lord has clearly spoken his will for mankind through his prophet?? Faithful followers of the Lord & his prophet aren't faithful when they go against divine counsel.

Anonymous | 11:02 a.m. June 30, 2008

**And in 97 years Hincklely didn't? One would think that as a loving prophet, he would want to know that answer.**

And how would Frank know what the prophet has/hasn't asked of the Lord??

Apostate Dave | 5:27 p.m. June 30, 2008

Iï¿½m confused. When did the Mormon Church become the spokesperson for ï¿½traditional marriage?ï¿½

They've never practiced "traditional marriage!"

I don't understand why they are so heck-bent on this issue when their own God apparently doesn't have a problem with changing the definition of marriage now and then.

Examination of Mormon history clearly demonstrates that sometimes he commands people to practice polygamy, sometimes he commands them not to practice polygamy. Both will get you into the Celestial Kingdom.

Go figure.

Anonymous | 9:06 p.m. June 30, 2008

Nice post, Dave!! That's true!

All of you others who follow so blindly... Remember that questioning leaders isn't always a bad thing... In face, isn't that how the LDS church came to be?

I don't understand why it is such a huge issue for everyone. I just don't see how gay marriage affects you at all. The LDS church will never be forced to perform marriage between homosexual couples. I just don't understand why it is such a big deal!

Followup to Dave's post | 9:21 p.m. June 30, 2008

Speaking of the church's practice of "traditional marriage", a few quotes during the days of polygamy:

"the one-wife system not only degenerates the human family, both physically and intellectually, but it is entirely incompatible with philosophical notions of immorality; it is a lure to temptation and has always proved a curse to the people" Pres. John Taylor

"...if they (non-Mormons) envy us our position, well they may for they are a poor, narrow-minded, pinch-backed race of men, who chain themselves down to the law of monogamy and live all their days under the dominion of one wife. They ought to be ashamed of such conduct...." Apostle George A Smith

"Just ask yourselves, historians, when was monogamy introduced on to the face of the earth?...never (till the days of Jesus, Rome having dominion over Jerusalem)..was there a law passed, that we have any knowledge of, that a man should have but one wife."
Pres Brigham Young

Dave... | 11:13 p.m. June 30, 2008

...the biggest reason the LDS oppose legalization of same sex marriage is their fear that legalization of polygamy will not be far behind. Since "plural marriage" as part of "The New and Everlasting Covenant" is still VERY VERY much part of the LDS scriptural canon (D&C 132), it will be all but impossible for them not to be under internal pressure to rescind the non-scriptural and totally political Manifesto which interrupted the everlasting nature of plural marriage.

And you can be sure that not very many modern Mormons would be very keen on having to deal with that again. Scripture and the nature of "Everlasting" not withstanding.

Myself, I'm ready for it, heart, mind, might and soul.

Not in my lifetime | 7:02 a.m. July 1, 2008

As hard as the church fights to be seen as mainstream, polygamy will never make a comeback.

Polygamy | 10:22 a.m. July 1, 2008

It states expressly in the Book of Mormon that Polygamy is only mandated if the Lord is to raise a people up to Him. Basically, if the Lord needs more of his people plygamy is a good method to do it. As for the quotes from General Authorities, there are millions of them out there --only a few are in context and quoted correctly. Anti Church people love to publish statements that were never made. Pro Church people likewise.

goodgeye | 10:56 a.m. July 1, 2008

It's sad to see so many people put so much passion and energy into things that are private individual choices that each should have the right to decide on for themselves. In the meantime, our land is languishing as over-zealouts are taking over all the rights we have that DO matter. Why can't we all just relax and enjoy life and leave all of these kinds of ridiculous activity to people that feel they're getting power and dominion over us by the mere mention of it?

As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord and my family on my own terms. I really think the leaders need to stop prying into things that only cause controversy. Maybe it's good publicity, but is that all we're trying to obtain now? Moral or unethical, lawful or unlawful, our society is based on what happens in our individual lives. Let's all quit focusing on the world trauma that we can't control, and spend more time on the things we can.

Amber | 5:41 a.m. July 2, 2008

I knew America is conservative, but I didn't know that it's even beyond that: this is pure intolerance!
God teaches us to love each other and the Church teaches that someone can be gay/lesbian within the Church. Like anyone-else gays want to have a relationship too and because it's not allowed to have sex before marriage, the only solution is to get married.
In Holland gays/lesbians can get married since a couple of years and it's no problem! My neigbours are a gay-married-couple and they're nice people.
I agree with boiseguy: this is a political matter and the Church shouldn't interfere.
Brothers and sisters lets love each-other instead of spreading hatred!

Lope | 5:56 a.m. July 2, 2008

It is the duty of the Prophet to declare GODS WILL!!!
Are you like the people of old that would stone him, or follow him. Think about it!

Enchanter | 6:52 a.m. July 2, 2008

I support the church's definition of marriage and their efforts to keep the definition of "Marriage" as it has always been, between one man, and one women. Nevertheless, I do support the concept that gay and lesbian men and women have a legal right to bond together in a relationship of love. The perspective that being gay is merely a sexual deviation and perversion is outdated and stereotyped. They are capable of the same kind of love for each other that a heterosexual couple has and although I disagree to the term "marriage" as being the definition of their union,gay men and women should have similar legal rights as "Bonded Partners" or some other acceptable term. Marriage has always been the sacred union that forms a traditional family. The family today in the world also is defined other ways as well such as single parent, or children as part of a related family. There are so many ways that families exists today that surely we can accomodate same sex couples into our broader sense of what a family is. Instead of fighting this all concerned should work to find an acceptable format of recognition.

tigger | 7:05 a.m. July 2, 2008

Amber:

**God teaches us to love each other and the Church teaches that someone can be gay/lesbian within the Church.**

Yes, gay people can attend & be part of the church but you also know that if they do so, they are required to not practice the homosexual lifestyle & many gay members do that wholeheartedly because they understand why the Lord requires them to do so. Very sad how many here who claim to be active, faithful members are willfully opposing our prophet & his counselors. You say we who oppose gay marriage are blind, but it is you who are blind, hardhearted, stiffnecked, etc.,...the Book of Mormon parallels are very clear to see.

Proudly Lutheran | 7:27 a.m. July 2, 2008

I am not associated with the LDS church at all, with the exception of some in my family are members. I applaud the LDS church and their stand they are taking on this growing PROBLEM we have in our country. As I read through a number of the comments that have been made, it makes me sad that so many no longer respect our Lord. It is a scary thing, knowing that some day God will say, "I have had enough!" Woe be to those who disrespect him!!! I am not judging, I am going by the Bible, God's word. Everyone will come face to face with our Lord someday. I feel sad for those who mock Him. In the meantime, I will be on the side of those who do everything they can to stop sin. Thank you to the LDS for taking a stand.

Tina | 7:53 a.m. July 2, 2008

Excuse but isn't "Gay and Lesbian Mormons" an oxymoron? The church has always been against the gay and lesbian lifestyle because it is contrary to Heavenly Father's will. Are you forgetting that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. One of the reason's I love our church is the fact that we follow the commandments, we dont' bow down to society rules and norms.

Relate to both sides... | 8:43 a.m. July 2, 2008

I can understand both sides of this issue and they are valid ones; however, my father always told me. You get a testimony of the Prophet and that he is the Lord's mouthpiece. "Whether by my voice, or by the voice of my servant it is the same." Then you only have two rules to follow in life:
1. Follow the Prophet
2. When in doubt - see rule number one.
Basically, you either believe Pres. Monson is the mouthpiece of God, or you don't. So, although I can understand where those of you fighting for the LDS people to leave this issue alone are coming from - when the prophet speaks, I will listen and follow, because I know that it is coming directly from my Heavenly Father and Savior. And I will not argue with them. I can continue to love my gay friends without supporting them, but I have to do as the prophet tells me and I too will stand up against any measure supporting legalizing gay and lesbian marriages - because that is what the Lord is telling me to do. Choose which side of the fence you are on!

interesting | 8:46 a.m. July 2, 2008

...I've alway's observed that a person can leave the LDS church, but they can never leave it alone.

Hawkeye | 9:11 a.m. July 2, 2008

I have watched the code of conduct of this nation (California) decline from the 1950's. Everything the religious conservatives warned about has come to pass as we have yielded to the demands of those that cry foul of their rights to freedom of 'misconduct'. We are wallowing in a moral 'Pig Sty'. The next rights we will be forced to accept are those of Petafiles(Child Molesters). The security, prosperity, and emotional strength of this country hang in the balance! I know all of which I speak because I have lived it and suffered greatly as a result. The Homosexuals are maladjusted and substandard in their relationship maturity. Their relationships are noted for their lack of longgevity, with some exceptions. Divorce Lawyers will support this because they stand to benefit greatly. This movement is an effort to gain tax and other financial advantages. The supporters of the homosexuals are sympathizers that mean well but are blinded by the cries of persecution. The greatest disadvantage is to the children these people will obtain and raise! I am intimately familiar with every word I have written. Please take my word as those of a loving parent. The trueth is sometimes painful to learn.

Concerned Californian | 9:34 a.m. July 2, 2008

Some are calling homosexuals "sinners" on this board. When you think about it, we are all carnal sinners. That's what King Benjamin's people realized when they fell to the ground. We all have our problems. This is not an issue about judging others. It is simply an issue about the majority vote of man + woman marriage being overturned by a few judges. This is where MY main concern lies. If judges are allowed to overturn the majority vote in California, there's something wrong with the judicial system. I suspect most members of the LDS community probably would participate in upholding the vote made previously whether or not asked by the presidency of the church.

Anonymous | 9:36 a.m. July 2, 2008

I have a daughter who has been to the temple and has since decided that she is gay and is now living the gay lifestyle with her partner in Boston. I love my daughter and I love her partner. They are both wonderful, amazing women, but my heart is broken that my daughter has chosen to break the covenants she has made. I just visited them last month and had a wonderful time being with them, but my heart is still broken. Everyone on this earth, including the people who have posted on this blog, has the right to choose for themselves. We don't all have to agree with each other and we have no right to judge one another - that is the Savior's job. But I have chosen to follow the prophet, and I will do all I can to fight gay marriage because the Lord has asked me to through His prophet. Gay marriage will have profound, untold consequences on society. And since the Lord knows the end from the beginning, and I don't, I will put my trust in the Lord.

freedom | 9:58 a.m. July 2, 2008

I believe in freedom. I believe in thinking for myself. It just so happens that I CHOOSE to believe in the institution of marriage. Why does that make me bad and hateful? It seems to me that those who call us hateful want to take our freedoms and that of institutions who believe in preserving values that we hold near and dear, the things we hold sacred. Why should churches be FORCED to accept something they feel is wrong. The LDS church will NEVER accept something they feel is morally wrong - even if they lose their tax-free status (they already pay taxes anyway-check your facts)Nor does the church dictate to its members what to choose. I think for myself and I CHOOSE to follow the Prophet. We are quickly becoming a world who will accept anything. It doesn't matter, be accepting of anything anyone wants? ARE YOU KIDDING? Those of us who sit quietly on the fence, STAND FOR SOMETHING. It's time we all choose to stand on one side or the other. Yes it is your right and YOUR DUTY to choose. Let's all make a choice...However we will not be free to choose the consequences.

steady the ark? | 10:29 a.m. July 2, 2008

I think the best place anybody can make a difference is in our own homes. Anybody who reads the Bible knows that homosecuality is wrong,but the question is how much power do we want to give our government. The church fought for the right to continue plural marriage and lost so the peactice was abandoned. If people succeed in allowing homosexuals to be married, how much will that change what we are supposed to teach in our homes? It shouldn't. We are to still teach love and compassion and understanding right? Homosexual marriage doesn't hurt the family any more than divorce does so we really should outlaw divorce, or even just speak out against it more on the pulpit!! The most important thing is that children be protected in whatever situation the adults who are raising them are doing it in!!

stand for righteousness | 10:55 a.m. July 2, 2008

I read an article that gave statistics stating that the percentage of gay and lesbians voters was 2.9% Look what poliical issue this 2.9% of voters has created. Think of what your voice could do by standing for righteousness. If you just voice your oppinion, give time where you can, and vote. We can make a difference for the better. We just have to act.

Concerned Social Worker | 10:57 a.m. July 2, 2008

The comments from "Symantics" were golden. Many want to believe that allowing gay marriage will not change the institution of marriage, but I believe that it is an extremely near-sighted position. The gay marriage movement is an extension of a culture that has become individualistic in family matters. Relationships are voluntary and too often based on personal feelings with too little regard to personal commitment. Allowing gay marriage may only serve to strenthen that trend. And the ones that ultimately suffer from all of this are children.

I have gay and lesbian friends; I have been a mental health counselor for gays and lesbians. The ones I have personally known are kind, sensitive people, with whom I have been proud to be associated. I think they can make great parents, in terms of being able to teach children values upon which we all would agree (i.e. kindness, respect for others). But there's something that they simply can't offer children: a home with a mother AND a father, to which all children should be entitled. And if my analysis is correct, we will only see more children in broken homes if gays and lesbians are allowed to marry.

I love being LDS!!! | 11:00 a.m. July 2, 2008

I am so very glad to be a member of this church and to have a true understanding of the plan of salvation and the importance of families in it. I can not comprehend how there can be members with this same understanding that act on homosexual feelings and think that it is ok and/or think that the First Presidency will even consider negotiation on this. Truth is truth and cannot be diminished or watered down without losing what makes it true. There is no need to fear that our doctrine will change. It will always remain the same, for truth never changes. I see the separation of the wheat from the tares, brothers and sisters. This is only the start. Hold fast to the faith and the Lord will bless you mightily.

LDS Leaders Support | 11:02 a.m. July 2, 2008

It's sad that there are so many "mormons" out there who say they are active members of the church, but in all reality "their hearts are far from Thee." As for "gay/lesbian mormons?" Are you freaking kidding me? You can't even call yourself Mormons. Have you actually read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World?" "...marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God..... We warn that individual who violate covenants of chastity.. will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."
You think the world has problems now, just wait....

LDS Leaders Support | 11:09 a.m. July 2, 2008

Sorry, I didn't mean you can't call yourself "mormon," because we all have our own sins/weaknesses/trials. I just wonder how someone can think they will be living with God when what they are doing is an abomination.

Worla | 11:26 a.m. July 2, 2008

How absurd that those who uphold God's law are labeled "bigots; homophobic; old-fashioned; narrow-minded; cruel". Mud-slinging is always counterproductive and childish. It solves nothing. The issues surrounding same-gender attraction are moot. What matters is whether we trust the Lord's mouthpiece. God knows what He's doing,even if we misunderstand His purposes, which are NEVER divisiveness and hate. He cherishes His children & asks us to trust His path to happiness. When He speaks-- and politics & morality WILL overlap!-- then the debate ends for me. We have no right to counsel God, because "the voice of the Lord is unto all... there is none to escape...What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself... my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same...and the truth abideth forever..." God, not man, gets to decide what that truth is. If we ask in humility, He'll teach us His will and we'll feel His peace.

Peace | 11:43 a.m. July 2, 2008

To love, to share a life committed to helping one another, raising children under this model, same gender or not, it is a valid marriage. God would smile because God is love.

DWmFrancis | 11:52 a.m. July 2, 2008

What is really unfortunate is that it will take another generation or two before the consequences of being raised in a household without *both* a male and female role model will be evident. The results of the first long term longitudinal studies on single parent households are just now being published - it took over 30 years to collect the data. (John Bowlby was right - having responsible, reliable parents who encourage exploration are a key factor in developing strong interpersonal relationship skills in the next generation.) Who's looking out for the "rights" of the children here and how long will it take to figure that out - how many lives will be effected and how much misery and suffering could be avoided? In reproductive terms, a two parent same sex family is not neither normal nor natural, or we'd all be sexually polymorphic. This is folly on a grand scale, let alone the issues regarding the separation of church and state.

Janice Huang-Calif | 12:02 p.m. July 2, 2008

I hate how the world has changed.
I am not active in the Church, but I belive the teachings and try to live my life right by the teachings. I don't hate the guys, but I don't belive they should have the same rights as us. And as far as the people in the courts, if they are not up holding the laws as to how our forfathers wanted them,then they should be out of office. Like I said, I hate how the world or the usa is.

The utmost sarcasm | 12:26 p.m. July 2, 2008

Cannibal rights! We are people too! Just because you don't understand our preference and lifestyle doesn't mean you have the right to stop us from living like we want to. Join me in organizing a Cannibal pride parade this independence day!
What's wrong with eating what you want to if the someone being eaten has no objections to it? People donate their physical bodies to our cause all the time so what is wrong with that? As long as we aren't killing people? And so what if we do want to kill people? Murderers are people too. Do what you like it's your life.

---sarcasm ends---

"The California Supreme Court with its opinion has now established their concept of the "new morality" as the official religious dogma of the state of California. Laws against polygamy, rape, adultery, fornication, sodomy,incest,and child sexual abuse have all had their foundation in legislation based upon moral or religious beliefs of the people."

If you leave out all morality (i.e Gods teachings) there is no basis for decision on ANY laws.

rangerwick | 12:37 p.m. July 2, 2008

Same-sex marriage? That means that brother can marry brother? Sister can marry sister? Just to enjoy the benefits given to married couples. And hey, they love each other. Polygamy isn't far behind. It is all morally wrong - wake up!! This is NOT just an LDS issue - it is an issue for all of us to fight against.

Rich | 12:39 p.m. July 2, 2008

TO: Cats

Yes, God will NOT be mocked. Perhaps that is an answer for all the fires in CA this year? Earthquakes around the world? Floods in diverse places? And the hurricane season isn't even here yet.

Perhaps God is indeed sending a message as he did in Noah's time and will before the Second COming.

DWmFrancis | 1:37 p.m. July 2, 2008

Do you folks really want the civil government to define what is or isn't a marriage or a family? Do you actually trust them that much?

LDS freedom fighter | 1:48 p.m. July 2, 2008

You can't change the truths of a church (any church) with a vote and without Gods instruction/permission. People who think God has nothing to do with our government & country need to read the constitution. Most importantly, People who think God SHOULD have nothing to do with our government & country need to take a look at history & notice how civilizations tend to fall into dictatorships & evil rule when they forget God and His teachings. God tells people how to be good & how to be better. Right and wrong ARE set in stone and always have been. You have the ability to do whatever you want to Laws will not stop you and it is not like homosexuality is being outlawed anyway!

Also if the church should stay out of the issue so should everyone else, Everyone! weather they are for or against the issue.

DWmFrancis | 2:02 p.m. July 2, 2008

A brief reminder to Latter-Day Saints:

4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.

5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.

9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.

10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

re: lds leaders support | 2:05 p.m. July 2, 2008

I appreciate reading those of you who say you will follow the prophet's lead on this issue. However, just looking at the last 20 or so posts, you find the following from "Christians":

"The sarcasm which equates gay rights to cannibals, murders, etc."

"As for "gay/lesbian mormons?" Are you freaking kidding me?"

"You say we who oppose gay marriage are blind, but it is you who are blind, hardhearted, stiffnecked, etc."

It is self-righteous statements like these that almost makes me wish I hadn't come across Mormonism 35 years ago. Doing the "right" seems to be more important that doing "good" to so many people.

Vote however you will, support the prophet, but why trample civility and goodness in dealing with gays in your disagreements, since we all struggle with sin?

Self-righteous??? | 3:03 p.m. July 2, 2008

Calling someone self-righteous is just saying you disagree, but in a rude way. I didn't hear anyone saying "we're better than you" If you can't come up with a decent argument don't go calling people self-righteous.

The cannibal thing was just saying if we don't believe anything is wrong where does it end?

The homosexual Mormon thing is true, you can't be both just like you can't be a Christian atheist.

And if homosexual people were not being stiffnecked they would not be trying to get homosexual marriages seeing as how they can live togeather, as they are, already without it. There is obviously a different issue to it than marriage.

If it is sin you're talking about, however, we don't go legalizing it if we can help it!

And as for right vs. good they are one in the same. If you are doing right good will come of it. Basically good people can do wrong things but that doesn't mean we make those wrong things ok just because the people doing them are nice.

AWB: UM | 3:25 p.m. July 2, 2008

The Church is NOT limiting anyones free agency. They are reminding us of our covenants and what we do believe. Why can they not encourage members of the church to get involved in a stance that will further help society. They are not forcing them, they are encouraging. Last I checked, I can say I will or will not have the time to participate. But, my vote may be all that I can do. The Church does not take away anothers free agency. Definitely not.

People say those kinds of things when they are angry because they don't get their way.

Read the constitution, and know that it was inspired by God.

Concerned | 3:33 p.m. July 2, 2008

I live in California and one sunday when the letter was read i thought it was the dumbist thing that i have ever heard it its everyone has different ideas and i think that people should be married if they are in love and want to share their lives. It makes me wonder if the church i belong to and go to every sunday where people that where against people that were of different races couldn't get married to one another and i couldn't believe when they asked people to give money and support against gay marriage it had no affect to them and i thought we where to love one another and not oppress one another from our right to be with who me want legally and get benifts from it

DWmFrancis | 3:53 p.m. July 2, 2008

Constitutional Law of the Land; 144th Congress, Second Session - 1996 resolved and passed:

H.R.3396 the `Defense of Marriage Act'.

SEC. 2. POWERS RESERVED TO THE STATES.

`No State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship.'.

SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE.

`Sec. 7. Definition of `marriage' and `spouse'

`In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word `marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word `spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.'.

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