Deseret News | LDS Church urges pro-Proposition 8 calls

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LDS Church urges pro-Proposition 8 calls

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Anonymous | 10:45 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

to marriage not an issue can you back up your stats on mom and dad and other issues of that nature.

Betsy | 10:46 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

1.Many people believe that God created marriage. Therefore it is His right to define what marriage and the restrictions with it.
2. In response how will gay marriage affect me ? In the short-term probably very little. However it is proving to have long-term effects on religious liberty of others how is that for irony.

Thanks to Massachusetts it is starting to prove gay marriage is taking away the religious rights of others.

Example one: A doctor in California was denied his religious rights. A lesbian woman came to this doctor to request artificial insemination. The doctor refused based on religious grounds however he gave that woman a referral for another doctor to obtain that insemination. Therefore she was not denied the right to a child. However she took the doctor to court and won. Catholic Charities is another example they can no longer restrict adoptions even though it violates their belief of marriage. For the LDS church which also offers adoption services it is a matter of time. Also look for the lawsuit of a gay couple demanding marriage in the temple and the court rules with the couple. In a brief recap religious freedom is at stake.

curious | 10:46 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

about that previous to 1978, the LDS church urged caution in supporting the civil rights movement and promulgated the view that black-skinned people were inferior to white and lighter-skinned people and that it would be dangerous to elect african americans as leaders.

Now with Barack Obama poised to become the next U.S. president the Mormon church is uncharacteristically quiet about its earlier, erroneous doctrines. The bottom line is that the LDS church is not always correct. Maybe LDS claims about the dangers of same sex marriage are a bit overblown, too.

Comments continue below

To Anonymous: | 10:48 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Like an NPR piece is not biased...funny, very funny

To Anonymous | 11:02 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

NPR is hardly a non-biased source! Pretty funny that you would point to them.

Sad | 11:09 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

It seems sad that the church would encourage its members to donate over $8 Million towards a losing cause in California. Especially in light of the troubling financial times and a lot of people are facing layoffs, decreased home values, etc... I assume this is on top of the 10% of gross earnings already given away.

LDS in NW | 11:22 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Freedom of Religion is the issue here. I have a right to believe that homosexuality is a sin. You may not agree with my beliefs, but that is my right.

If you don't agree with the beliefs of a religion, don't join it. Join another church.

Frankly, I'm shocked that so many, including those claiming to be LDS, honestly expect the church to change its doctrines because someone throws a temper tantrum.

I agree that gays deserve most of the same rights of others, but "hands off" our institution of marriage. And to expect a church to have to cave in to the state and perform gay marriages and to disallow church leaders from teaching that homosexuality is a sin (gosh, it's only stated in the Bible 12 times!) is a clear violation of the First Amendment.

Common Ground | 11:31 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Why does everything have to come down to a bitter fight? I swear, the Jerry Springer Show was the worst thing that ever happened to America.

What's wrong with this? Gays can enter into a civil union. They get rights such as visitation, inheritance and cannot be discriminated against for housing, employment, etc.

No church should be forced into performing or accepting these unions on the same level as man-woman marriages. The government cannot "gag" churches from teaching that homosexuality is a sin.

Everyone wins. Why not?

No Tax Law violation | 11:31 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Oh please.

This gets trotted out every time by the uninformed and those seeking to silence their enemies with the bludgeon of the state.

The tax laws of the United States DO NOT prevent a tax exempt organization from taking a stand on issues such as this. They do, however, prevent tax exempt organizations like the Church from endorsing a CANDIDATE, which the church has not, in this case, done or even come close to doing.

Period.

As to me, I will not be intimidated by the homosexual lobby. I stand in support of proposition 8

jr | 11:35 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

It's funny to see all of the comments slamming the Church and fortelling the doom of Prop 8. Opponents of this very important ballot measure might want to consider what other rights High Courts might take away despite overwhelming voter support to the contrary(property a la eminent domain, gun ownership). You might also wake up and check the polls since Prop 8 is on the rise thanks to some powerful ads advising voters that their kindergarten students can be taught about gay relationships and marriage. Proponents of Prop 8 should continue to keep the faith, avoid becoming mean spirited in debating the issue and pray that the majority of voters in this election get it right. For any LDS members on the fence about this issue, you should read Elder McConkie's October 1974 Conference address entitled "Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith". As this departed apostle of the Lord counseled, we should "vote as the Lord would vote".

lilblueyes | 11:42 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

for all the the people who support the same sex marriage is sick.I dont want my children growing up thinking its ok to be gay.For a church to be supporting this proposition I would even step foot in that church.

fdg | 11:42 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Some of you people are just plain nuts. To those who are LDS and are ripping on our leaders are on shaky ground. The church is not spending one dime on this issue in Cal. Ariz or Florida. Its the people who are putting up the money to fight these moral issues.If you don't like the Lds church then why spend so much time reading about us. Don't you have anything to do in your life? Maby you need to get a life.

GJ | 11:42 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Attention: Proposition 8 is currently leading in the polls 47% to 43%. This is not a losing cause and every little bit of help is needed. Volunteer, donate and vote YES on Prop 8!

Today CA...and? | 11:52 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I would rather have gay neighbors than LDS neighbors. The will keep their home up and never judge your lifestyle as being inferior to theirs.

Freedom | 11:55 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Churches have the freedom and the right to stand up for what they believe is right. If a church truly believes that homosexuality is a sin, then I cannot understand why they wouldn't stand up for their beliefs. Whether you agree or disagree is up to you, but I find it very hateful to criticize/ridicule a person, group, or organization for sticking up for their beliefs. Read the official LDS church statement on the subject and then choose to agree or disagree with them. It's really that simple. It's not about ripping on anyone who doesn't agree with you. Those who do show their true colors.

Preston | 11:57 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Apparently a lot of you have forgotten Sodum and Gamora. God has already spoken on this issue and no matter how you try to justify gay marraige God has already let his thoughts on this subject be known by his word and deed. Sodum and Gamora did not fair to well and either will we if we continue to ignore his will. Now debate it all you want. It will not change right and wrong. If you are LDS and support gay marraige you better wake up. You are on the wrong path. You ignore your leader at your parell.

Cali Guy | 11:59 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I live in California and have seen and participated in the efforts of the Yes on 8 campaign firsthand. The most recent poll that was conducted in CA (by CBS in San Francisco and Survey USA) shows that support for the proposition has increased dramatically over the last few weeks and currently leads by 5%. Support for traditional marriage has always, I mean always, been under reported in polling. Prop 8 will pass by a bigger margin than whatever the polls before the election show.

From California with love | 12:00 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Funny how a church whose founder and prophet had 30+ wives, some as young as 14 when married, is lecturing on the 'sanctity' of marriage. Funny how a church which still has God-ordained polygamy in it's scripture (Doctrine & Covenants:132) tells me whom I can or can't marry. My suggestion is to look in the mirror and mind your own (troubled) business.

LDS Posers | 12:09 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Two can play at that game:

I'm gay and I used to belong to the Pride Alliance but now I realize that redefining marriage will be bad for society. It will cause gender confusion for young people, result in a higher rate of STDs, and will infringe on the religious teachings of many religions. My partner and I have all the benefits we need in our domestic partnership. I applaud the LDS & Catholic churches for standing up for their beliefs and I don't believe anything bad will come if Prop 8 passes. Please vote YES for Prop 8, it will preserve the sacred institution of marriage and it will not affect my partner & I.

Out of country | 12:17 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

California native out of country. High priest voted against Proposition 8. Your phone calls won't change my mind and I'll sleep good tonight.

Prop. 8's intention | 12:18 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

It's sad to see how people want to turn prop. 8 into a for or against gay marriage issue when it is not that at all. The catalyst may have been the recent Supreme Court's decision, but what is being considered is the definition that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Not two men or two women, not one man with multiple wives, not an underage child to an adult, and not siblings or cousins. Laws are enacted to benefit society, including marital laws that specifically prohibit some of the aforementioned relationships.

Proposition 8 is a law that will fundamentally reinforce or weaken marriage and, by consequence, the family unit. I personally believe that anything that threatens the family unit threatens society as a whole. And anything that threatens society as a whole should have laws to protect us. Let's not forget what Prop. 8 is about and why we should support it. It is not anti gay but pro marriage and pro family.

Kudos to the church for taking a stand when far too often it is politically expedient for individuals and groups to remain neutral.

You don't get Prop 8 | 12:22 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

I am amazed at how many people do not understand Prop 8. Same sex couples will have the same rights with or without Prop 8. While I am against gay marriage, I understand that gay people have rights and should be treated with respect. They may enter into whatever union they wish that the state recognizes. I just don't want it to be called marriage. The issue here is to protect the definition and sanctity of marriage which I believe is between a man and a woman. This issue is about religious freedom which is the reason America began. If Prop 8 does not pass. Religious freedom is in jeopardy not only for the LDS but for every religion out there. If a church refuses to marry a gay couple they may be sued and potentially found guilty of a hate crime. The phrase "traditional family" could be considered "hate speech." Whether I agree with them or not, the LDS church has every right to get involved in issues that are a direct threat to religious freedom. Those who claim to be LDS should be ashamed not supporting Prop 8. You are ignorant as to what it actually means.

Canadiandy | 12:52 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Here in Canada we have Same-Sex Marriage. It's a nightmare. Our court committees have recognized the Charter (Our Bill of Rights equivalent) can now not discriminate against polygamists and other like groups.

And with a push to lower the age of consent by the same politicians who pushed SSM, we could possible see it legal for a 49 year old man to marry a 14 year old boy. That's where this goes.

Some call it progress, I call it something else that starts with a 'P.'

Be wise people, learn from our mistakes. I always thought of Americans as leaders. Your little brother to the North needs your example now more than ever.

Freedom | 1:14 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

America is government by the people and not government by the few. The fact that the people voted against same sex marriage and this was overturned by judges is government by the few. Whether you agree with same sex marriage or not I would be appalled that judges would rule against the people and I would not stand for it! Think about it, there is going to be an issue that you do not agree with and vote against and there is the real possibility that judges will over turn it. This is not just about same sex marriage this is about the voice of the people being ignored and freedom being taken away by the few.

More than meets the EYE | 1:21 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Check the Facts. Rights will be taken away from every Californian and then American if Prop 8 doesn't pass. Homosexuals already have all the same rights, benefits, and protections as married spouses. Prop 8 is about protecting our 1st Amendment Rights. Those who oppose Prop 8 are either sorely misled or are using it as an avenue to silence others beliefs and force their own on everyone including children. Voting for Prop 8 is the best solution for homosexuals and everyone else. Do the Research!

LDS church helps | 1:29 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

i don't think you have your facts correct about the LDS church talking about the civil rights movement and electing black leaders. Latter-day Saints were anti-slavery and suffered persecution for it. Many were involved in the civil rights movement. The LDS church has always taught love and tolerance for all. They helped black people tremendously here and in Africa. They still teach love and tolerance for all, including homosexuals. But they also teach God's plan, and that includes marriage being a man and a woman for the sake of the children and all of society. It is an international right for children to have a biological father and biological mother. There are exceptions, but those shouldn't be the rule.

Klimber510 | 1:31 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

I support Prop 8 because the voters of California have already voiced their desire that marriage be defined as between one man and one woman. A vote that was overturned by four activist judges. Opponents of Prop 8 are also proponents of other "rights-based" lawsuits limiting the free practice of religion. I also support Prop 8 because a child has a right to be raised by a loving mother and father.

Arizona votes also | 2:10 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Why is there no brew-ha-ha over the same type of amendment up for vote in Arizona? Just curious.

Mormon Senior | 6:35 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

I am a lifetime senior Mormon. I support Mormons' rights to push Prop. 8 in California. I worry though that we spend tens of millions of hard-earned dollars on this one issue in one State. What about pushing right-to-life, anti-pornography, anti-drugs, and other issues with equal zeal and money on a world-wide basis? These problems are currently destroying families faster and with more permanent damage. If we are going to be a political church, let's do it all the way!

God is Love | 7:30 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Since religion is about God, and God is love, then we might conclude that religions shouldn't restrict love opportunities for all people, and if for all people then gays should be able to marry, right? Not so fast.

Why aren't we given both reproductive entities in one body? Then we could go out and choose freely who to marry without regard to gender. There would be no such thing as gender - men or women. But "In the image of God created he him; male and female." We wouldn't have to learn to understand someone very different from ourselves.

But there is gender, endowed by God. We can go against God individually if we wish, but why would we do that as a people? If you love humanity, vote for Proposition 8 and any similar resolution which protects marriage for the role to which it was intended. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh." Keep marriage and family life sacred. Side with your creator. He has been at this a lot longer than we have. Trust Him. He knows things you do not understand.

Seattle | 8:22 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

What is at stake is not about the rights of Gays but the right of children to be raised in a home with a Father and a Mother. What is at stake is the very definition of marriage This is one of the most sacred and fundamental princples of the LDS faith. This issue is not remotely political. The LDS church is extremely careful to only address those public issues that are moral and under inspiration they know to be a threat to the sanctity of the family or our society. It is a naive and slippery slope under the guise of "acceptance" to allow what on the surface appears to be benign or harmless rulings when it fact it can have far reaching and perhaps devestating consequences. I know we are being warned that the institution of family is under attack in ways that we can barely comprehend. Choose who you wish to place your faith in or whose counsel to follow. Personally I trust in and wholeheartedly sustain the inpsired voice of those divinely appointed to lead us in these troubled times. We would all be very wise to listen.

Experience from California | 9:00 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

How has this hurt the family?
The words 'bride' and 'groom' were removed from the marriage license until a few days ago when they were restored thanks to a courageous couple sueing for loss of their Christian rights.
Municipal workers are no longer allowed to use the words 'family values' and 'traditional marriage' because it is now hate speech.
Havey Milk Day (past S.F. mayor)was thankfully vetoed by our governor which would have required a non-paid state holiday and a day of celebration in the schools on May 22.
Having made over 300 phones call on Prop 8, I learned all three parties were equally gracious, rude, and private about their votes. This does not divide among parties lines.
Since the commercials have started here for Prop 8, we are surging ahead 47%-42%. As in the past, we depend on God to help our puny efforts to win the war for families.
This generation has been cheated out of true history lessons and they face losing a precious heritage won by blood.
Hurrah for all the religions that have stood together out here for families. It truly is not 'Live and let live.'
Tami

Bryan | 9:00 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Aaron, I understand your point. Preventing homosexuals from getting married won't change homosexuals, but I believe it will send a message to the rising generation that this type of behavior is not appropriate.

If we allow same-sex marriage to be legalized, it is like our government is putting it's stamp of approval on same-sex marriage. Our children will be taught in school that same-sex marriage is normal and appropriate, and they will see that the law and the government enforce that belief.

Our children will have a difficult enough time as it is chosing right from wrong. They don't need additional confusion of the government telling them that wickedness is normal and acceptable.

Same-sex marriage is wrong. We need to stand up for traditional marriage in California now. I fear that if we lose this battle, we will be one small step away from losing the entire country.

To: Out of country | 9:08 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

and other active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are against Prop 8 - I don't get it. Did you raise you hand in support of our prophet last weekend? Don't you think that he knows a little more about these things than we do? Or is he only a prophet when you agree with him? Just wondering.
Lisa in California

Mary | 9:11 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Oh well, We cannot control the world.

Reasons for Prop. 8 | 9:16 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

When same-sex couples seek California's approval and all the benefits that the state reserves for married couples, they impose the law on everyone. According non-marital relationships the same status as marriage would mean that millions of people would be disenfranchised by their own governments. The state would be telling them that their beliefs are no longer valid, and would turn the civil rights laws into a battering ram against them.
Law is not a suggestion, as George Washington observed, "it is force".

An official state sanction of same-sex relationships as "marriage" would bring the full apparatus of the state against those who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. The Protect Marriage Coalition views this as outlawing traditional morality

Other Thoughts | 9:55 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

If I was a lawyer I would be voting 'no' on this initiative. I would make good money on law suits!
Look at Catholic Charities in Mass, now out of business. Look at the Housing situation with Yeshiva University, now before the courts. Look at California Lutheran High School, the case before judge. Look at North Coast Women's Care Group, before the courts. And you ask how will it affect "family"?
The government will be the force that will determine in what type of family children will be raised. The government will decide what is morally right and wrong and teach it to my children. The government will decide what is read to my children in schools. Government power depends on the consent of the governed. Do judges have the right to override the will of the people as expressed in ballot measures? The people of Caliornia spoke out in 2000, on prop 22, yet corupt judges overruled the people. Some say what will change? This won't affect my family? Are we ready to take the chance that there will be no unintended consequences? Look at what has already happened to those who spoke up for their families!

Standing Up for Belief | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

The Church and members should be commended for standing up for their beliefs. With so many churches choosing to be tossed to and fro, the LDS Church becomes a beacon of stability.

LeeAnne | 10:10 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

You are right MARY, it's all about control. people who like to control others.

And, FROM CALIFORNIA WITH LOVE, You are dead right and absolutely correct. I agree with you 100%.

Reply to Matt Johnson | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Hi Matt. I found your challenge to explain opposition to gay marriage in logical terms interesting so I have decided to take a shot. To me, a proper understanding has to begin with understanding marriage, which means we have to go way back into the past. In our day, easily available contraception and legal abortion have blurred what was originally at stake. In former times the obvious result of sexual behavior was the creation of children. Promiscuous men would leave absolute devastation in their wake, children who often died because they were not able to be provided for and women with unconscionable burdens. Marriage was the way to protect these children by requiring a life-long vow by both partners. Homosexual marriage tries to fundamentally change the playing field. It attempts to redefine marriage to include homosexuals thereby implicitly giving them procreative rights. The obvious next step is that the state could not confine adoptions to heterosexual couples and homosexual couples would be given what nature had thus far restricted. This is a remarkably drastic change and rightfully scares some people even though they have great love towards people who have chosen to indulge in homosexual relationships.

NDH | 10:20 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

To Please Explain and Matt Johnson,

Thank you for your thoughtful input and questions. I applaud your premise: that an issue this important requires more than cursory research. There is an excellent book on exactly this topic entitled "What's the Harm." The book is written by secular scholars from many disciplines, and it explains in detail how legalizing gay marriage would adversely affect public education on family structures, force religious social services (such as Adoption.com, and Catholic Adoption Services, supra) out of existence, and yield an increase in homosexual behavior through normalizing gay marriage. The book also has a counter-point section, written by advocates of gay marriage.

Although there are anecdotes about gay couples being true to each other over a course of years, the plural of anecdote is not data. More than 15% of gay couples (and in one study, more than 40%) report having had more than 500 sexual partners in their lifetime. About 5% report more than 1,000 sexual partners. (My source is the book "What's the Harm?".) Imagine a high school health class in which the teacher is forced to teach that homosexual behavior is normal and healthy.

NDH | 10:26 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

To Pay Taxes Then: Although certain groups have threatened to challenge the Church's tax-exempt status because of the Church's political advocacy, those threats are without merit. Churches do have the right to speak about political issues. It may interest you to know that in the pre-Revolution Era, John Locke's social contract was preached more from the pulpit of American churches than he had ever been discussed in the intellectual circles of Europe. I give this as an example to show that churches in America have a long history of political involvement, and that church involvement has been honorable (we can thank the church-induced political zeal for at least some of the revolutionary fervor in 1776).

Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

CM In 2004, a study, conducted by Ellison Research (which has done several Clergy Studies) among a representative sample of 695 Protestant ministers nationwide of various denominations, to identify the three strongest threats to families.

The three most commonly named threats were divorce (listed as one of the top three by 43% of all ministers), negative influences from the media (38%), and materialism (36%). These were followed by absentee fathers (24%) and families that lack a stay-at-home parent (22%). The rest of the list included:

Co-habitation before marriage (18%)
Pornography (17%)
Morality not being taught in schools (14%)
Poverty, unemployment, and/or a poor economy (13%)
Parental alcohol use/abuse (12%)
Parental drug use/abuse (11%)
Drug use/abuse among teens or children (8%)
Teen sexual involvement/activity (8%)
Alcohol use/abuse among teens or children (6%)
Adultery (5%)
Poor schools or quality of education (4%)
Teen pregnancy (2%)
Sexual predators or sexual abuse (1%)
The expense of child care (1%)
Other issues (12%)

Gay marriage, didn't even make it into the top 20 threats to families per the clergy.

Heidi | 10:38 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

The Church doesn't get involved in politics very often. So this issue is extremely important. This however, isn't a political issue, it is a MORAL issue.

This is my personal opinion, and I'm going to try to be nice: I agree with the point that "Californian" brought up. I have dear friends who have chosen this lifestyle and I think that deep down they don't feel right about their choice and feel that others look down on them. So they want their lifestyle to have credence. They may be gay, but they'll never be truly happy.

Two Languages | 10:41 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

It is hard to come to a meeting of the minds when people speak a different language. Those who believe in life after death have a difficult time reasoning with those who do not. The two groups are standing on a completely different foundation of understandings.

Only those who believe in God and that prophecy is true and that wickedness brings consequences will believe the words of prophets. To the members who think our prophet is out of touch, you do not have a testimony of the Church. For your sakes, I hope that you can search the scriptures and pray to get a testimony. Without the knowledge that Jesus Christ directs this work, a member is just playing the game and has no roots that will sustain them when things get hot.

BTW, The Church does not care about how it will look if this does not pass. Do what is right let the consequence follow.

Sacramento Member | 10:48 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

I am a lifelong conservative member of the LDS church living in California. I pay my tithing and attend the temple each week and am a member of the High Council. However, I will not vote for Proposition 8 because my daughter is gay and I feel that she and her partner of 16 years deserve the same legal benefits that my wife and I enjoy. I do not feel threatened by them at all and I love their two children just the same as my other grandchildren. I ask that the rest of you reconsider and and pray about it.

To Cali Girl | 10:54 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

"Voting YES on Prop 8 does 3 simple things: It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and what Californians agree should be supported, not undermined."

This defination has already been changed in many countries that have passed "GAY MARRIAGE" laws. You are TOO LATE!

"It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people."

The judges did what they were suppose to do: Judge laws passed to see if they are in accordance with the California Constitution. Because the CA Const. has a clause (voted on by Cal Citizens, by the way) that states that you cannot treat someone with same sex orientation different than any one else, how could they vote differently? It was their JOB to judge!

(continued)

Bob in Boise | 11:15 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

I have often wondered about what the war in heaven was like. I believe we are seeing something close to it in California right now. Religion and beliefs aside, I see this as a test of whether or not the will of the people can be thwarted by a handful, (or less than a handful), of activist judges. I read the entire California Supreme Court opinion and where they found the right to re-define marriage is beyond my comprehension. In short, they made it up, claiming that it had always been a part of the California State Constitution. It took them well over a hundred pages to find it. The short, but by far the better reasoned, dissent should have been the majority opinion. Even if Proposition 8 passes, it will not be the end. Opponents will then have the option of proposing an amendment to repeal Proposition 8, and again attempt to re-define marriage. "It will be long but must go on..." Thanks to the California Saints and all those of other faiths who are working for this noble cause.

Awesome | 11:22 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

The stand by the LDS church and others in favor traditional American family values is tremendous. We should all be so brave. Thank you for doing this and fighting this battle. Our very religious liberties are at stake if gay marriage is allowed to happen legally. Way to go. Isn't it interesting that these 2 fine catholic bishops cut their teeth so to speak here in Salt Lake City so that they could then help to bring to pass this grand coalition. The lord works in mysterious ways and his way will be the way of this country or we will all pay a dear dear price.

RE: Anonymous | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

Absentee fathers (24%) : With two lesbians, obviously the father would be absent.

Stay-at-home parent (22%) : Generally speaking, a lot more mothers are the stay-at-home parent, therefore the strong influence of a mother is obviously critical. Two gay men = no motherly influence.

The definition of marriage & gender should remain the same. That is not hate speech that is my opinion.

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