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Hundreds protest over Prop. 8

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Chris | 7:44 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
We gay people are not going away. You have opened up a huge box of trouble for yourselves.

Mormons stood up against black civil rights too -- how did that work out for you? Oh, right -- let's ask President-elect Obama.
You're Wrong | 7:44 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Most LDS people think marriage is just about sex. It's not. Marriage is a legal contract that carries certain rights and protection between two people.It's not a moral issue. If that were the case, the church would have to fight against civil unions too. Let's stop pretending homosexuality is a choice. It's no more a choice than choosing the color of your skin. Only by approaching it this way will we ever have a solution
Mrs. Kansas | 7:44 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Gay is a choice not a birth right! Read the bible folks...it doesn't say anything about men & women having a choice of partners as far as gender. Oh maybe the folks who prefer this lifestyle aren't reading God's words? These are the last days to be sure so get ready for a fight between good & evil ...as it was in the beginning.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
You Mormons paid for this hate of Gays..You get to deal with us blaming you for destroying our families.

We know that you ALL hate Gay people. Mission Accomplished!
Voter rights trampled on in May | 8:01 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Prop 8 opponents keep arguing that "it's wrong to take away a fundamental right [for gays to marry]." What they seem to forget (and ignore) is that a mere FOUR judges negated the rights of the 4.6 million voters who passed prop.22 in 2000 that made gay marriage officially illegal. What about the rights of voters to make the laws of the state--those rights were trampled on in May, and no one staged protests and defaced property.

The temper tantrums of a few little bratty kids that didn't get their way is not surprising, but embarrassing just the same. Crying about "hating" Mormons and then vandalizing LDS temple property--the irony of their hypocrisy would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

Grow up.
Anonymous | 8:18 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Maybe this has a HUGE silver lining. Maybe all the folks in California that are so angry at the Church won't move to Utah afterall
James | 8:24 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
If you look back through history homosexuality was the downfall of many civilizations, not to mention the increased spread of harmful diseases. This issue is a moral issue, the mormons aren't against gays, they are pro marriage. I don't care who you live with and what gross lifestyle you have, I do care if my children are exposed to it against our will i.e. public schools etc. "love the sinner, hate the sin" Why don't the protestors go protest the other groups who backed prop 8?
Just wondering | 8:28 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
What if the vote on Prop 8 had been no, and yesterday supporters of Prop 8 had protested instead?
Scott | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
The people of California have spoken. Marriage is between a man and a women. Period. For once, California is in step with the rest of the nation.

Ignore the protests - unless you enjoy watching something funny. The protests are the best comedy on TV. Funny people.
Another plea | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Last night I posted my definition of marriage. As a reminder so you don�t have to go back to read
it, �The legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife." Eight hours later, I am still
waiting to be enlightened by opponents of Prop 8 of what their definition of marriage is. Please
share your wisdom on what your definition of marriage is, to straighten out all of us �bigots� who haven�t seen the light.
DEW | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
What they don't get is that it was not the Mormon Church that asked us to get involved. It was our desire as christians to stand up for the bible. I am a Mormon in California and my bishop never once asked for my support...Time or Money, but my family and I contributed financially and worked very hard going door to door, making phone calls and standing at intersections with sign's. I did it for my family and there future. It just so happens that most of the Mormons I know believe the same way. And o by the way so do most of the Catholics and Baptist's I know. At least on this issue, we satnd as one.
dh | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
When will it stop! one group wants to define marriage one way and another group a different way. NO civil rights are being taken away! The way I see it is, its black and white one group wants the color black to remain black and the other wants the rest of the world to see the color black and say its white . Say and believe what you want but black is still black and white is white. If you dont get your way I understand dissapoitment, but that never gives anyone the right to be nasty and hateful to others.
Artierome | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
If I'm the devil, this is working out perfectly. I've got a pitched battle going between freedom of conscience and freedom of religion (both God-given), I've got intense hatred and fear stirred up on both sides, I've got people leaving their churches, and best of all, I've got an all-out assault on the most basic unit of humanity with God Himself in the cross-hairs. Welcome to the last days.
The Deuce | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
It is quite certain that this one issue was never discussed by people with clear minds and respect for each other. This issue was debated by individuals on both sides of the issue who were caught up in the sensational and emotional side of the argument. The gay/lesbian side wanted to push this issue to a vote in California. They got their wish and there was a vote. The Deuce is not endorsing either side but examining how ridiculous each side has become over this. The continued protesting by the No on Prop 8 side are doing nothing to help their cause. I am afraid that as they continue to act out in this manner they will do nothing more than awaken a sleeping dog in this nation and we will actually move backwards. If you take a look at where most of the activism is in this country it is localized to a few states on the east and west coast. The "sleeping dog" is everywhere else.
Barbara Miller | 8:51 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Gay couples were living together anyway as partners and receiving the benefits in California they wanted in the first place. What they didn't have was a marriage license, well-wishers throwing whatever they chose and the stamp of validity desired from society. There are millions of straight people living the same way, who apparently couldn't care less about that legal document or stamp of approval. Why aren't they out there screaming about not getting benefits or recognition as a couple? Partly because they already have recognition and approval as couples. Goldie Hawn and Kurt what's his name, numerous other Hollow-wood types. Old people all over the country are living together for any number of reasons. Gay folks do not hold the prize for cohabitation lifestyles. They even have the approval, apparently, of Better Homes and Gardens and their clever, beautifully appointed homes are featured all the time. Many of them are whining,ostensibly, about marriage. What really troubles them is that their proclivities are negatively viewed.
Those protesters in California and Temple Square should move down south, where they are now banned from adopting children. I voted "yes" on 8 and would do it again.
To Dennis Wofford | 8:51 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Sorry, Dennis. This has not divided the church. To those few who were likely on their way out anyway, I say best of luck in your new pursuits.

But honestly, I think you and several others who think such threats will sway people's beliefs on this issue are sadly mistaken. It is a very childish way of dealing with things. What is the old saying..."Cut off your nose to spite your face"?

I supported Proposition 8 because I grew up in Canada and I've seen where the redefinition of marriage has taken them. I can see the same kind of thing happening here in California and around the U.S. The GLBT lobby is not about equal rights or fairness. They are about forcing others to accept their agenda. They are arrogant enough to think that the vast majority of American thought about traditional institutions like marriage can be redefined by them. I don't agree that a tiny minority (2 to 4% of population) should be able to redefine such things. And I won't accept those who practice a perversion to try and convince me that good is evil and evil is good.
Quit Acting Like Spoiled Kids | 8:53 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
These individuals who are protesting a church and their values are nothing more than my little 2 year old who doesn't get her way. This was an election and everyone had the opportunity to vote on the propisition. The majority felt it was not right, deal with it. I hate the fact Obama was elected and I am scared we have elected someone who is so UNPATRIOTIC to lead this country, but I have to support the will of the people and pray he does the right things.

Gay marriage is not right in any sense of the word. It is not moral and it is a choice made by individuals. No one made you be gay, and no you should not have the same rights as Heterosexual couples. Read the Bible and listen how the Lord explains his view on this act. This type of behavior is wrong and to support it in any way would be saying the act is ok. Now, the individuals who practice this type of lifestyle are still loved, but the act they are doing should never be condoned.

Prop 8 was the right and only moral thing that could be done.
Unpersuaded | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
"We know that you ALL hate Gay people."

Um, and your comments and the protest are examples of love? At least claim that we hated you first, then it doesn't sound quite as ironic. :-)

Truth is, some of us do, in fact, have homosexual family members and friends. Truth is, some of those family and friends have continued to engage in various self-destructive, hedonistic, addictive behaviors in spite of our love, acceptance, and "tolerance". Truth is, no matter what we do, they continue to accuse us of alientating them instead of acknowledging that their insecurities and cronic paranoia cause them to pull away from us. No doubt, your reaction will be to assume that there simply _must_ be some hateful behavior we engage in--of which we are unaware, perhaps--that causes the feelings of alienation. But you don't _know_ that, do you? It's much easier to assume that it's all our fault.

It's an indulgent illness. Accusing us of "hate" doesn't cure the illness nor the indulgence.
Black & Gay... | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Wow... How do you even compare the two? You're making a comparison to a people who lived for years as slaves and were originally looked at as less than human and infact, 3/5 a person... Gays still have their freedoms... So you can't be "married," but you can still love who ever you want and be commited to who you want... You can live as any other american... You can even register as a domestic partnership and have the same rights as marriage... You have a choice, blacks did not... Join forces with the YFZ ranch but leave the black community out of it because it is NOT the same...
Anonymous | 8:59 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Honestly what did the LDS church expect? When you become politically active, you're going to have activists opposing you.
eyeswideopen | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
The LDS Church took the lead in the campaign against Prop 8. And they chose a campaign based on fear tactics and misleading/false statements. Do you want the facts? google Morris Thurston rebuttal to Six Consequences. The Catholic Church in Massachusetts had placed adoptees with gay couples. It became a problem when the Boston Globe reported it, and the Vatican became aware of it, told them to stop. Catholic Social Services chose not to pursue the matter legally. Sad to say, the Church deserves critcism. from a CA resident.
matt from tennesee | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
i am a mormon and im 16. i just recieved my blessing and im leaving soon for the air force.i think califonia should have laws that everyone should because its wrong.there shouldnt be gay rights,period.
To Anonymous | 7:49 | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I know you will be unswayed by the facts, but here they are, anyway. Voter demographics show that 48% of white people favored Prop 8, 70% of Blacks, 63% of Hispanics, and 56% Others.

The issue passed because it was heavily supported by those least likely to have been influenced by the Mormons.

Do you intend to spew your hate against Blacks and Hispanics? Probably not.

It seems Mormons are the last minority you can hate and still be politically correct.
Julie Dollahite | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
To: Regarding Civil Rights 7:23. YOU SAID that you have read in the Book of Mormon that:

"Blacks are a lesser race than the white race" and I've read it over 20 times.

You claim that the LDS church spread lies. Yet out of your own mouth, your words condemn your lies. Nowhere in the Book of Mormon does it say such drooling drivel. NOWHERE.

Prove it to everyone reading your comments right here and now, tell us the chapter and verse, what page number. TELL US ALL WHERE YOU READ IT.

You CAN'T, because IT IS A LIE.

Who's the real liar? The NO ON 8, who say it won't affect the education system - but it does because BEFORE THE VOTE, a school in the Bay Area had a "secret coming-out day." Because a class took a field trip to SF City Hall to watch two lesbians marry. Because in Massachusetts, many parents have had to sue to retain parental rights where education about this issue-they can't even withdraw their children from pro-gay-education classes. YOU ARE TREADING ON OUR RIGHTS AS PARENTS.

THAT'S WHY WE VOTED FOR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE - to preserve our rights as parents!
Let's Be a Little More Civil | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
This is a complicated issue and the people on both sides have deeply felt convictions that those on the other side may never fully understand. Boiling the pro-Prop 8 side down to bigotry and hatred is just a way to eschew the nuances of the situation by insinuating that you are right because you are on the opposite side of hate. Do you honestly think this is going to convince anyone? Our democracy is based on majority rule. (Did everyone want Obama to be president? No, but a majority did.) If you want the majority to empathize with your side, you would be better off not resorting to hate-fueled tirades against them.
Anonymous | 9:12 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
My marriage is special to me because it is a union between a man and a women. That is a major reason why it is special. The two sexes coming together is what marriage meant and still means to me. I want to keep it that way. I don't oppose a civil union, I don't oppose love and commitment to another individual. I don't feel any hate toward the gay and lesbian community.

Quotes like this from Mark are inaccurate in my case: "Funny how these comments only further isolate mormons from society and show how mean spirited and full of hate you are."
Oh, okay | 9:14 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008

"Any member who participated in the No on 8 campaign should be ashamed of having worked with people who perpetuate such false attacks on the church."

Okay, I'm ashamed. And how do you feel about the blackmail letter that was sent to CA businesses who donated money to no on prop 8. Yes on 8 demanded equal money to not "expose" them. Letter signed by four men, one of whom was LDS.

Lame argument, Lambert.

Bob G | 9:14 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
What are they complaining about? They are given the choice to practice their lifestyle, no matter how corrupt it is. We can't start passing laws treating every belief as they all have the same protections and the same rights. Marriages were never defined before but now I guess we have to define it as it was intended, between two people of the opposite sex. Everything else is cohabitation and does not merit any special designation or privileges. They can change their lifestyles and partners as often as changing socks or underwear. Homosexuals merit no specal handling or treatment or laws. Why should normal people be subjected to laws abdicating abnormal lifestyles? They are sick and should be treated as sick individuals with misguided and unnatural lives.
Helen Wait | 9:15 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Seems like the california voters have spoken, I am not seeing why The Gay and Lesbian collition is only going after the L.D.S. church.
I beleive everyone should share the same rights and I thought that is what Cival Unions Created??
Can anyone tell me the diffrence or is it that the gay community would rather have it called marriage??? It seems like their is allot of hate being thrown at the L.D.S. Church and maybe its justified but I really think if they are going to sling mud at Mormons, they ought to at Catholics and everyone else who was against gay marriage....
Major Error | 9:15 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
The Church will regret it's decision to so vehemently back Proposition 8. They marshaled all of their resources to stick a finger in the dam. The Church will need to implement a new tactic on this issue or they will continue to be increasingly isolated from society. Gay marriage will be a reality--it's just a question of how long it will take. With the vote as close as it was, I wouldn't be surprised to see a ballot initiative enshrining gay marriage in the CA constitution within the next decade (and probably sooner). I'm sad to see so much effort spent in an effort to legitimize marginalization of a group of citizens. What a disappointment.
Jack | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Get on with your lives both sides and stop wasting time on something that the people already spoken for and approved. How many States already say "NO" to gay marriage? Are all these States wrong? GOD's law rules and go read Roman 1:25-30 if you still not sure if God approved of homosexuality.
Anonymous | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
this shouldnt even be happening anyways!!! HELLO THE CONSTITUTION! Everyone is Equal! who are we to say who people can love! they never objected over opposite sex marriages so who are we to object over same sex they should have the right to marry who they fall in love with to!
Anonymous | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
testing
Casual Observer | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Re: You're Wrong (7:44 a.m.)

I know of no DEFINITIVE study that has CONCLUSIVELY stated that homosexuality is not a choice. While I know many homosexuals who state they felt drawn to the same sex at an early age, as far as I know, no one yet knows exactly what causes homosexuality.

I also agree with "Just Wondering" (8:28 a.m.): what if all the supporters of Prop. 8 were out protesting today (if the measure had been defeated)? Does this mean that any and all of the votes I lost in the presidential election, statewide elections, etc., should be protested and brought to the courts? I didn't vote for Obama either, along with millions of other people (close to half of the citizens who voted). What if we were to take to the streets to protest what the MAJORITY of the voters chose? We live in a country where the will of the people, by vote, is supposed to prevail. Grow up, let it go and move on.
Anonymous | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
If you were there, you know who was doing the ground work. You know who gave the most money to pass this Prop. That is why the LDS church is connected with the passage and is being targeted for the anger that homosexuals feel towards being kicked out of your special club.

Your prophet asked you to do it and you did. Now stand up and take responsibility for your actions. As stated, "For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction." This is the consequences for your church's large and visual participation in Prop 8 passage. Live with it. You should be proud.
Jeff in LA | 9:25 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I understand that people are angry about Prop 8 and feel the need to lash out and blame someone, but it is ridiculous to target the LDS church. 5.5 million people voted for Prop 8 in California! That's about 5 million more than total LDS membership in the state!

Targeting the church is nothing more than persecuting a group of people because of their religious beliefs (which actually is prohibited in the constitution). I can't help but think that these protests targeting specific groups with anger will only hurt the gay rights movement because I'm sure there are thousands of people who voted against Prop 8 but will become alienated from the cause due to this blatant display of religious persecution.
Anonymous | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
"Separate Is Not Equal": Brown v. Board of Education
Rome | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I am catholic and I beleive in equal rights for everyone , I know the Pope is against Gay Marraige but yet all these comments seem to be directed at all Mormons?? Is it possible that their are "good Christians" from all denominations that dont agree with their leaders stand on this issue..AKA THe Pope and President of the Mormon church??
It is offensive for people on both sides of the Argument to assume we all cant think for ourselfs and walk around like sheep following each other blindly...
Their is alot of hate going on on both sides of the Argument, maybe you should all step back and think about what you write before you do it????
It seems like some major Temper tantrums on both sides, besides Obama has already declared he beleives in equal rights for everyone Gay, or Straight how long do you think it will really be, before he changes the law through out the land????

OC Surfer | 9:33 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Can anyone name one right in California's civil unions that's not the same as marriage?

(If there are any, then strengthen civil unions, but don't call it a marriage)

If the LDS Church doesn't object to civil unions and gays already have the same rights, is this really a "civil rights" issue?

eyeswideopen | 9:34 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
The facts regarding the 1st grade trip to the Lesbian wedding in San Franciso: The school was a Drama and Fine Arts Charter School. Students have the same teacher for 2 years. Significant parent involvement is a requirement at the school. The idea and planning of the trip as a surprise for the children's teacher was done BY THE PARENTS. Permission slips were sent home, at least 2 children opted not to go.
Shang | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Nathan, you live in a dream world. Get a life.
Tom Wall Hemet Stake CA | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I have a word to my Brothers and Sisters in the church who are not happy with our leader�s position against same sex marriage. Why don�t you make a list of all the things you do not like about the Church and send it to President Monson, maybe he could bypass the Lords council and run the Church your way. Did you raise you hand and sustain him as prophet, seer and revelator? My loyalty is to the Redeemer Jesus Christ. I have pledged to be united with Christ in voting against same sex marriage. Our Father has made it clear to all of us that joy comes to those who follow him. Christ always reminds me to love those who disagree with him. Christ also tells me to never deviate from his commandments. (He has commanded all of us NOT to practice same sex marriage). You must speak to him about this. My stand to vote no on same sex marriage is definite and immoveable. I do what is right and let the consequence follow.
Tom Wall
Frank | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I love the graffiti on religious grounds, real classy guys. I was against prop 8. I regret that now that that my old side has learned and copied political video smearing and gang behavior. The LDS were NOT our problem on the failure of prop 8. They made up AT MOST maybe a fifth of the people voting for prop 8.

If gays arent ready to slander and graffiti the synagogs, chapels, and churches of other faiths, they dont know the meaning of EQUAL treatment.
Civil Rights? | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I'm guessing the 70% of African Americans who voted for Proposition 8 don't consider this a civil rights movement on par with what they fought for.

And if this is such a "fundamental" right, why has it only existed in California for the past few months?
Kris | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
This is so ridiculous. The gay people and their supporters didn't get their way, so they go and throw temper tantrums in front of a church? A protest will do nothing but cause a scene, it won't change the will of the people. They were outvoted it is the will of the majority. I am a Californian and I voted yes on 8.
Douglas Hartill | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
How typical...getting mad at the LDS church for the failed bill. Why not so mad at the catholic church? or the baptist church? How disrespectful of the Anti-Prop 8 to run that comercial on the 2 lds missionaries. I Lost ALL respect for ANYONE who supported that bill BECAUSE of the NEGATIVE STEREOTYPING and Advertising on the LDS church. If you believe in god... Marraige is between a MAN and a WOMAN. Straight from the LIPS OF THE MAN UPSTAIRS...SO YOU SHOULD TAKE IT UP WITH HIM.
Proud of the Church!!! | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
A couple of friends of mine had softball sized rocks thrown at them by so called "tolerant" gay supporters. If some Mormons had thrown rock at gays it would have been front page material. The double standard in the media is painfully obvious.

The persecution and protesting of the LDS church only confirms our belief that is is the last days. The LDS faith has always know that it will face great adversity and opposition in the coming years. If that adversity comes from the gay community, then so be it. I am proud of the LDS Church, and am proud to be a member of it!
Just a question | 9:52 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Why are the gay people that scream for tolerance the most intolerant people in the world? It's okay if you have on opinion, but only if it's the same as theirs.
Civil Rights? | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
In revisiting my Civics class of yesteryear (Civics is no longer taught in the public schools, too American), I recall that one Frenchman Alexis deToqueville opined that America is great because America is good. When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. Well, folks, we are almost there. It is not a civil right to engage in perversion and debauchery and attempt to impose it upon others with the hue and cry that "our civil rights" are being violated. This battle will continue to rage on so batten down the hatches, the barbarians are at the gate. God is not mocked with bogus claims of "our civil rights." The ones who clamor the loudest for civil rights in the name of tolerance are the most intolerant as they seek to take away the civil rights of others. Put on the whole armor of God and get ready for the battle, it's apt to be long and unyeilding. Please note that the strategy is to divide and conquer by first separating the LDS Church from the myriad of other Christian churches which supported Prop 8. Those rascals are clever alright so beware.
Sad | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008
If you lose your faith in the church and choose to leave it your faith was not very strong in the first place. That is really too bad.

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Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press

Some 1,000 demonstrators rally Thursday outside the Los Angeles LDS Temple in Westwood to protest the LDS Church's support of Proposition 8, which California voters narrowly approved Tuesday.

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