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Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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Plain & Simple | 4:35 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
To anonymous 7:18 a.m.: ". . .there are hundreds of thousands of church members that participate in sexual relations with members of the opposite sex outside of marriage . . ." I only except this premise for this argument. Even if your premise is true none of those sinners are on a "self-righteous high horse" and asking society to change the definition of their sin to call it marriage as is the gay community.
You pick: Mom or Dad? | 4:38 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Children raised by homosexuals either have two mommies and no daddy, or two daddies and no mommy...

So, which one is completely unnecessary, mom or dad?

No, this is not a "hateful" or "bigoted" or "intolerant" post, it's a very important point about homosexual marriage and how it affects children.

Do you homosexuals REALLY believe that kids are 100% A-OK without either a mommy or a daddy?
Anonymous | 4:39 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
A tendency toward homosexuality may not be always be choice, but acting upon homosexual urges is most definitely a choice. And the same goes for any biological urge known to man. Those urges that absolutely cannot be controlled are known as "sicknesses" - is that how you want to classify homosexuality?

But even worse to me than the choice of acting upon homosexual urges is the choice to force society through judicial fiat or overturn of public referendum to accept your "private" deviant act as normal.

Comments continue below
Huh? | 4:42 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I am just baffled how people, under the direction of their church, spend millions of dollars to take away the legal rights of fellow Americans, can be so astonished and insulted when the people they're working against get upset. Then they complain when their opponents march on someplace that they hold to be sacred. Did they ever stop to think that the 18,000 legally married gay couples in California also believe their marriage vows to be sacred?

It should also be pointed out that the proposition passed by a very narrow margin. Also worth mentioning is the fact that around 62% of voters under 25 voted against the proposition while around the same percentage of those 60 and older voted for it. Come next time who will there be more of? My bet is on those under 25.
Plain & Simple | 4:46 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
To numberous posters: Lots of charges of discrimination and equal rights being demanded. Could you specify what equal rights have been lost from the passage of Prop 8 and how Prop 8 discriminates against you? I am anxious for your reply.
Roseanna | 4:48 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
There are alot of opinions on prop 8. I'm troubled with this judging others. Becuase God wants everyone to be happy. I just don't see how the church supports the subject of judging others. The LDS Church explains only God has the right to judge, and mankind has no right to judge. Just because they're a sanctuary of religion they're not God and should not be judging anyone. They don't have to allow it in their church, but they are taking their judgements into the public. Mixing state and religious rights. You don't choose to be gay. If you're happy keep doing what you're doing. Love each other, support each other. Keep fighting for what you believe in. Don't let the government, state, or LDS Church win by being miserable.
Mattie | 4:49 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Me, I'm looking forward to the first gay president, and I hope she's a woman.
There. Did your heads explode? Good.
To David S | 4:50 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
David S, I think you're overlooking one important thing - we too are members of the same families you speak of. Where do you think we come from, Mars? The love and respect we have for families (biological and otherwise)is at the very least equal to yours - please don't think that just becaue you're staight that you've cornered the market on love and respect of your family - how absurd.
Their rights aren't violated | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Floridian,

"As a Mormon I understand the position of the Church. But honestly I do not know the position of all the gays and lesbians. What are you looking for? Is the word marriage what your are trying to add to your relationship? Please use this forum to educate. Honestly if you do it with respect and civility many Mormons will listen to what you really want and feel."

Because the majority doesn't agree with them they need to resort to force, intimidation and lies and they have repeatedly tried to hijacked the civil rights movement which has nothing to do with this.

Blacks never asked for additional rights or for any change in the definition of any institution or law instead we only asked that we have the same access to the same thing for the same price or under the same terms and that we would not be denied based on our race.

Legal marriage doesn't discriminate based on race, gender or sexual orientation. A woman can marry. A man can marry. A gay person can marry. A straight person can marry. A white person can marry. A black person can marry and do so under same terms.
Hard Ball | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
It is time to play hard balL.
Not only is it important to boycott the tourism industry but to boycott some ot the church's other activities. In the spirit of free agency: You don't have to go on your mission if called. If you are a parent you do not have to send your child to a mission you do not have to pay for it. Do not go to the BYU for your education. Boycott the BYU. Do not attend their games. Do not donate to the Alumni Association.
The Sundance film event is small. Think big
Maxical | 4:52 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Utahns and LDS church turned a blind eye to mormon sect who practiced polygamy in utah but chose to take a stand in state where they do not belong. I don't get it. The LDS pick and choose what is moral and where it needs to be legislated. The God I know would not instuct with such inconsistency. I have to wonder who is at the head of this church.
Pastor | 4:55 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I am encouraged by the report of hostility in this article. I did not contribute money or time on behalf of Prop 8, but you can bet I will next time it comes up!
CT Reader | 4:58 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Morality is behavior. Laws govern morality and draw a line between what is acceptable in a society and what is not. Polygamy is a moral issue. Pedophilia is a moral issue. Drunk driving is a moral issue. Homosexuality is a moral issue. Gay marriage is a moral issue. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and that is what the legislative and constitutional amendment processes do: draw lines. The gay community has a right to its opinions and to peacefully express those opinions. Once they go beyond peaceful expression, they've crossed another line and should be punished accordingly. Regarding gay marriage, why should the line be moved? Gay marriage does not benefit society as heterosexual marriage does. Therefore, society should not grant special privilege and sanction to gay marriage.
Regentrification | 4:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Some folks have made the comment that if gays don't like where they live then maybe we should just move. We've tried that and it always backfires on us - straight people are never far behind! We move into the most run-down neighborhoods, ones that nobody cares about, we fix up the houses and yards, and inevitably straight people end up following us! But who can blame them - we're good for their property value.
RE : Sokel | 4:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Nice, I knew sooner or later someone would pull the 'if you don't like it move card. Mormons are so predictable.
Courts can't legislate | 4:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Plain & Simple,

"To Jason: Your tone was hysterical; source please of how tithing funds were used. You have none, but it sure is easy to make allegations isn't it?"

The LDS Church made an in-kind donation of $2,078.97 to pay for the travel arrangements of Church leaders who went to California for a meeting. The Church did not make any other donation to support Prop. 8.

"Your comments on churches tax exempt statud convince of one thing. You are not a tax attorney."

Of course he isn't since a single in-kind donation of $2,078.97 to a political cause doesn't affect a tax-exempt status. The Church is prohibited from donating to or endorsing political candidates.

"Exactly what rights have you lost?

"Wrong, the purpose of the courts are to see that justice is done, not legislate from the bench. Legislation is left for another branch of our government to do."

I agree. The Courts have no right to change the definition of marriage as it is legally defined but it does have the right to protect due process and equal protection which haven't been violated since gays are treated the same as straight people under the law.
Boo Hoo | 5:11 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Mormons got what they deserved in Missouri and Nauvoo. The only problem is you enjoy and thrive on being "persecuted."
Anonymous | 5:16 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
It's offensive to black people when gay people start crying foul about civil rights. Sexuality is not an identity, but an activity.
To Huh? 4:42 | 5:17 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Yes, my bet is also on those under 25, that one day, they'll again make it legal for the government to physically force Mormon out of their homes and cities.

And while liberal churches, who get invloved in MANY more politcal isues than the LDS Church does, will get to keep their tax exempt status, the LDS Church will be forced to give up theirs, simply because its views are not politcally correct enough.

Let freedom ring!!!!?

all right! | 5:33 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Thanks, Rover!
I knew it would come.
I was hoping it would come.
Thank you, for posting it.

lol

Second best laugh of the day. :o)
Friend of Plain & Simple | 5:34 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Huh? posted:

I am just baffled how people...complain when their opponents march on someplace that they hold to be sacred. Did they ever stop to think that the 18,000 legally married gay couples in California also believe their marriage vows to be sacred?"

"Sacred" in what sense of the word? Or is this yet another concept you want to redefine to suit your purposes? The main definition of sacred is:

1. Dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity.
2. Worthy of religious veneration.

Can someone explain to me how gays who obtain a "civil" license to "wed" consider such an act as "dedicated to God?" Isn't the entire point of civil marriage to leave God out of it?
Time to protest at their houses | 5:35 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
They chose to make this personal and to bring it to us so now it's time that we returned the favor. How many people would be interested in a protest at the home of Bruce Bastian who donated $1 million dollars to defeat Prop. 8. He lives in Orem so anyone whose willing to participate in a protest outside of his home please post here so we can get an idea. We will also find out who else in Utah donated to defeat Prop. 8 and hold similar protests at their homes but before we do so we will target Scott McCoy, Jackie Jackie Biskupski and Christine Johnson in Salt Lake for their participation in the protest on Friday.

We could hold a protest outside of their homes next Friday and outside of Bastian's home on Saturday. If they no longer want to reserve this issue to the ballot box than we can make it personal too. Instead of voting as civilized people do we will launch personal attacks on anyone who supported Prop. 8. So, John Doe, the average guy in Salt Lake, had better hope he's not on a list of donors to oppose it.
Still a Democracy | 5:42 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
California has almost 14 million Catholics, over 2.5 million blacks, and 780,000 Mormons. All three groups voted overwhelmingly in favor of Prop 8.

The Catholics are to big to attack, it's absolutely politicaly incorrect to attack blacks. It's easier to attack the small guy.
To Anonymous at 4:39 | 5:46 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Are you then saying that your own urge to have sex should also be avoided unless you're doing it specifically to have children? Or will you admit that being sexually intimate - without wanting to produce children - is a healthy part of your relationship? Please, try to understand, for gay couples sex is only part of the relationship too. Like your marriage, love, companionship, support AND intimacy all function to create a healthy partnership.
Re: Steve 3:25 p.m. | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
You better watch it. That could be classified as a Hate Crime if you protest infront of a gay club....LOL!!!
Missourian | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
To John C. .... remember Governor Boggs?
Anonymous | 5:52 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Do you heterosexuals really believe that the kids of the parents who divorce at nearly half the rate of marriages are A-OK without either a mommy or a daddy?

In other words, don't meddle in gays having a right to marry when you cannot show that "traditional" marriage is working anyway. You can be sure that gay couples who have a child are more likely to care for them because they have to do more to obtain them.

In other words, just live and let live, and don't throw your millions toward lies-infested propaganda that legislates morality.

Response to "Do you homosexuals REALLY believe that kids are 100% A-OK without either a mommy or a daddy?"
a. rod | 5:53 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
who writes this stuff? were they even there? i was, and i can tell the protest was anything than peaceful. we were in seven and we were being attacked from everywhere. as for the police being prepared, they didn't even have shields. if the crowd wanted to break into temple square, no one would have stopped them. it is shameful to portray this protest as a peaceful gathering. it was a hate driven riot
Anonymous | 5:53 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I support your right to be gay - more chicks for the rest of us. Same with butch lesbians. I'm also in favor of lipstick lesbians, but for different reasons.

I wish everyone would keep their sexuality private. I worked with a gay man for five years and never knew it - it was a non-issue. However, there is another gay man I work with and every other sentence out of his mouth refers in some way to his homosexuality.

We don't hold hetero-only parades and events. Heteros don't talk in a "special" way to distinguish themselves. Heteros don't sue their former employers for wrongful termination based on them not being gay.

Gays - you are an extreme minority of the population. You are not being discriminated against. You can shop at the straight-stores, go to baseball games and concerts, sit in whichever seat you wish on the bus. You can't marry each other because you and your partner are of the same sex. That's the law of the land and you're going to have to live with it for now or find a new land. Nobody said you can't be gay. You're no worse off than you were before.
Tradition doesn't justify it | 5:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Thousands of years defined racism, and fortunately it has been somewhat curtailed by civil rights legislation and sound thinking.

Your claim that laws are made because of experience is flawed. Just because laws are made doesn't mean that they are correct. Think about women's suffrage, segregation, Hitler's regime, etc.

And gays aren't asking for any special rights--just the rights to marry whom they choose.

(Response to "Being gay doesn't doesn't mean you get special rights. Thousands of years have defined marriage and now you want to change it. Laws are made because of experience. Nuff said.")
Brandon | 6:00 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Remember Anita Bryant. Pie anyone?

It's too bad Utah doesn't have fine enough soil to export any produce, so a boycott similar to that of the Florida Orange in the 1970's could take effect. Or is there something Utah does contribute that we could all live without (besides intolerance)?
Mormons out | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I'm Director of HR for a large corporation in Utah. Every time a resume come across my desk with clear indication of LDS (ie missionary, member) I throw it in the garbage!

I suggest all those that have hiring authority in their organizations do the same.

Last week we had a company wide layoff. I used the opportunity to get rid of several mormons that proudly displayed a triple combination or picture of Jesus in their office/cubical. I expect more layoffs to come and more mormons to go. :)

This is my own private way to fight the battle one person at a time.

Glen Hufstetler | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
It is interesting that those who supported Prop 8 are considered bigots,and narrow-minded fanatics, while those who opposed prop. 8 are poor picked on victims why is it that the minority feeling and positions are always more important than the Majority. Why is the Christian concept of a proper family so important to the non-believers anyway? Prayer forbidden schools, is offensive to me, taking in God We Trust is offensive to me as is Gay marriage, I believe these feelings are those of most of the people in this Country
White-collar vandalism | 6:05 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Although I find it repulsive that the LDS Church encouraged its members to donate to a proposition that legislates morality, I also find it disappointing that protesters would vandalize private property. Sure, some of them have had a basic right ripped from them, but there's fault on both sides.

Prop 8 protesters, keep it civil.
Prop 8 promoters, you've already vandalized the rights of numerous couples.

(Response to "Let's just hope that the Salt Lake City officials (unlike those in LA) have the guts to confront and prosecute those who deface the property of the LDS church during these "peaceful protests.")
@ Plain and Simple | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Well, for starters, up until last Tuesday gay couples had the legal right to marry in California- now they don't. This proposition removed those legal rights. Don't you consider removing rights once determined to be equal as discriminatory? Marriage, along with being a symbolic act to formalize a commitment made by a couple, is first and foremost a civil issue. Each and every marriage starts with a license granted by the state, not their church. Once issued, that couple can then choose whether or not to have a religous ceremony. Irregardless of their choice, their relationship is granted recognition, rights and protections by the government. My partner and I have been together for 25 years and as law abiding, tax paying citizens would also like our government to extend us these rights and protections. We have no interest in trying to change anyone's religous beliefs, we just want the ability to persue our own.
David S | 6:21 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
To my replier:

I acknowledge your love of family and would never say homosexuals don't feel it. The question is whether we continue the legacy of love of family--of grandfathers, parents, children--or cut it off.

Tradition family is the clear, guaranteed, sure-fire, time-tested, unquestioned-for-millennia provider of the human need for love--love that requires sacrifice, duty, loyalty (to one's entire family--to FAMILY itself!) humility, unselfishness, submission, AND endurance THROUGH THE GENERATIONS.

It is the KNOWN course.

Nothing in society is more sure than this!

So for what would we put this, our very foundation, into question? For what better possible course would we risk teaching our children that there is a different--a better way--for anyone?

Sweet Low | 6:27 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Why does California celebrate Pioneer Day?

Because the mormons did not make it that far!
Being gay is a sin | 6:28 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
It's in the bible. Crack it open and read it. NO truely religous person will disregard this doctrine, because if they disregard this sin they are wolves in sheeps clothing. BEING GAY IS A SIN PERIOD. IT'S IN THE BIBLE.
Yes, "I am, I am" | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I agree with you! Isn't it interesting how the previously persecuted become the persecutors?
Aids guy | 6:31 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Coming to get you.
1,000 posts | 6:41 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Come on people we can hit the 1,000 comment mark. I am glad to see the online protest and anti-protest.
ProgressivePerson | 6:52 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
I for one find the Church's actions in this situation very hypocritical. They name their church after Jesus Christ yet there is absolutely nothing Christ-like about their behavior in this matter. Jesus Christ was a compassionate man who loved and accepted all-lepers,sinners, and homosexuals. I find it hard to beleive that he would support such blatant discrimination against his brothers and sisters. It is time for the Church and it's members to start practicing what they preach. If homosexuality is indeed wrong as the Church claims it to be, then homosexuals will be judged by God in the end. It is not the role of mere mortals to pass judgement on their own.
NowAntiMormon | 6:54 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Good job showing the world you are a bunch of discriminatory, hateful people, who come from a long long history of abusive religions. I hope you get your tax exempt status pulled. Shoving your beliefs down other peoples throats and denying them the same basic human rights other enjoy is disgusting.
What are you going to do next? Stone an atheist to death? Burn some women at the stake? Maybe start a mormon inquisition? Bravo.
Yo Ralphie! | 7:04 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
Our erstwhile Mayor has shown that he will only be Mayor for the special interest groups. Yo Ralphie! Way to be self-serving and let anarchy abound!
David S-to Mormons out | 7:07 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
You're still invited to attend church at any Mormon chapel you wish.

And if any of those triples got left behind, you really ought to spend an hour or two browsing and reading.

A more important day awaits all of us than the day we get hired or fired from some job.
Aaron C. | 7:11 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
PEOPLE! Pull it together! Take 5! We need to let this go and treat each other like HUMANS again!

MORMONS: You got your "one woman one man" definition of marriage protected in one of the most liberal states in America. Nice one.

GAY COMMUNITY: "The Church" has, by their involvement, made certain that people EVERYWHERE will be extremely vigilant the next time a stunt like this gets pulled. And it's likely prop 8 will eventually be ruled unconstitutional when it inevitably gets to the courts.

In the meantime, can we please remember that we are all US citizens entrusting our future well being in one another? Is it so much to ask?

The tone of the majority of these posts (from both sides) is disturbing. At best.
Real Discrimination | 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
RE: Mormons out | 6:03 p.m

I hope you are a troll posting on the DN board because your company is going to have a lot of lawsuits coming their way. I have worked for many companies who are "diverse" and offer benefits to gay couples. It shows how petty you are if you are firing people based on their religion and not workplace performance.

Get over it and move on gay marriage supporters. We are tired of you tearing down every single institution that doesn't believe or support your beliefs and behavior. I doubt the DN has this many gay readers. The pro-gay marriage posts on this article are from a small group of individuals and others who hope the novice message readers get pulled into believing their is a mass movement in Utah sympathetic to gay marriage.

Your right to marry in California is a fluke due to judicial malpractice by judges who think they are smarter than everyone else in the state.
John Pack Lambert | 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
To the 3:21 commentator,
Polygamy is illegal in Utah. It is banned by the Utah State Constitution, which may be the only state constitution that contains such a ban.
Your comment is one of the most irrelevant ones I have read. The Utah State Constitution has banned plural marriage since it was first written in 1895.
Anonymous | 7:19 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
"Separation of church and state" isn't in the constitution of the United States. Stop citing it as such.
Warrior Heart | 7:20 p.m. Nov. 8, 2008
How can the Mormon church, or any church for that matter, claim to have a message of love and hope, when it chooses to make a minority feel unloved and hopeless? If you kick a dog, the dog will eventually bite. Why be surprised that a group that feels discriminated against is choosing to exercise their right to protest? Why keep kicking a minority group down in the name of love and hope? Where is the hope in this? Weren't we all made in "His image?" or did I miss the fine print somewhere in my bible that says "Love Thy Neighbor, unless they're gay." And did I also miss the part that says marriage is between "A man and as many women as he wants." If you want to talk about non-traditional marriage, the Mormon church defines it.

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Courtney Sargent, Deseret News

The Salt Lake Temple is visible from the site of Friday's rally, which included a march around the two city blocks surrounding Temple Square and the Church Office Building.

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