boiseguy | 12:31 a.m. June 24, 2008
there was a time in us history where LDS people were treated poorly and ran out from the land because of their moral standards and beliefs...why is such hypocritical behaviour promoted by the church? If gay people are seeking to get married in their temples that's one thing.. but being married under the rule of law of a person's nation is another, and is NO business of some church's. This disgusts me to no end, and I have lost total respect for the church. Believing what you believe and living your life is respectable, using your pulpit to promote an agenda is just wrong, and this church should be unregistered and taxed if it wishes to involve itself so much in politics. If the day comes where people in this nation get tired of Mormons and burn their temples to the ground... don't expect an ounce of sympathy from me. Disgraceful....
maybe | 12:44 a.m. June 24, 2008
Perhaps it's just a case of vindictive sour grapes? If we can't be married the way we would prefer then neither can you.
yo-yo | 12:55 a.m. June 24, 2008
Not surprising. As an active member of the Church I will not be supporting this ammendment.
Comments continue below
trapped in time? | 1:25 a.m. June 24, 2008
Today's front page looks oddly similar to yesterday's.
Symantics | 1:42 a.m. June 24, 2008
Whether you call it secular vs religious marriege, it still comes down to the definition of marriage.

With the errosion of marriage, which is changing people's views of marriage, more and more heterosexuals are living together and having children outside of wedlock.
Then even after the birth of a child they still do not marry, nor is the average after the 2nd child more than 50%.

With the errosion of marriage and the redifinition comes more and more people not considering it important. This errosion shall be quicker with the change in definition to include homosexuals.

The breakdownm of the traditional family (et. married family) is the center of most of our society's problems today.
dan | 2:12 a.m. June 24, 2008
I don't understand why this is an issue. Gas is over $4 per gallon, the economy's in the tank, the environment's a mess, people are starving, and our efforts against global terrorism are faltering. There are much, much more important things we should be concerned with. Giving equal rights to gays should of course be obvious to any enlightened person, but even for those against it, it should be the last concern on the list.
Concerned | 3:38 a.m. June 24, 2008
Boiseguy,
Do you condemn any church that speaks out on moral issues? The Catholic Church on birth control? The Rev. Jeremiah Wright? The State of Texas for having "dry" counties? Where does free speech end?
Peoplespeak | 3:44 a.m. June 24, 2008
I'll support the LDS efforts in California, eventhough I am not LDS. The judicial branch of government does not make law. I back an amendment to say that marriage is only lawful between a man and a woman. The homosexual agenda is running scared now. They know their sinful acts won't be tolerated much longer.
WOW! | 3:46 a.m. June 24, 2008
It's easy to see what this world is coming to. To make the standards fit to make one comfortable, and leaving God out of the picture.

I can't believe you three are condoning this type of behavior.

The Church can state and defend what God created. If you want to change God's laws to fit your own, then you should take it up with Him.

Quit blaming the Church for doing what is morally right.

Each person has the right to choose his or her lifestyle...and you tell the Church to stay out of your lives...Well you need to stay out of it, if it doesn't suit your fancy either.

Quit throwing the blame at everyone else and at the Church to make something that is not right seem right.

This is terrible.
Anonymous | 4:18 a.m. June 24, 2008
Forcing ones life style on others with no respect for what marriage really is requires involvement of the Churches and others. A less agressive stance and one that would have covered all the legal basis could have happened. However Judges promoting their agenda rather than rule of law caused this situation.
support LDS leaders | 4:41 a.m. June 24, 2008
The comments of those above and others I've heard seems to me doctrine misunderstood. If one really understands the "Proclaimation of the Family", one may disagree with it but cannot refute the basis for the Church's stand on this issue. Anyone in this free country may support any issue whatever it may be. Whether it has a moral stand or not. People can listen to advise of any leaders supporting any issue; this is America!
Carole Knowles | 4:41 a.m. June 24, 2008
Getting harder to be LDS and of the world, isn't it? Sifting time, brothers and sisters.
As foretold, in these last days, we will not be able to stand with one foot in the church and one foot in the world.
Nothing new for those who choose to put God first, before ideologies, before friendships. It's always been this way. Choosing whom we will serve.
However, I find it interesting that those who choose to not follow God do it so loudly, proudly and openly, while those who choose to follow Him, do so quietly.
re: Boisegay | 4:48 a.m. June 24, 2008
You complain about the Church's agenda, but are promoting your own. Follow your agenda, as you have the right to do; but give an organization the same right to speak about their agenda.
Not surprising | 4:51 a.m. June 24, 2008
that a guy named "yo-yo" won't be supporting the amendment.

you can count out boo-boo, pookie and num-num as well.
hey! Affirmation | 4:52 a.m. June 24, 2008
I think you got a letter
Eugene | 5:00 a.m. June 24, 2008
The Church has every right to promote religious morality in this nation and around the world, in fact it is the Church's duty. It is not a matter of discrimination, it is a matter of principle that compels the Church to make a stand. Just as those who support same sex marriage have the right to promote it, so do churches that believe the practice is wrong.
Michigan reader | 5:02 a.m. June 24, 2008
Boiseguy - The LDS church does not push a political agenda, even while all the other churches do. I have never heard over the pulpit or in any other way how my political beliefs should be directed. The church does however preach moral values. Is'nt that why we go to church to learn and strive to live moral values? I don't ever remember the leadership of the church saying Marriage any other way than between a man and a woman is OK. Apparently 61% of the people in California feel the sameway.
RI Reader | 5:05 a.m. June 24, 2008
Ah - a fresh sheet to make more comments .... the comments from yesterday were all entertaining and passionate. I wonder what today will bring.

As for me: I fear that precisely worded constitutional amendments are two edged swords that we members ought to prepare for. For example: today it is "... marriage is between a man and a woman ..." Tomorrow it may well be "... only in a public place; or, only by an ordained Christian minister; etc...", which attacks marriage in the temple.

In a war with sin and evil, Satan does not rest and seeks ever more insiduous ways to mock the holy ordinances of the Lord.

I will honor the words of the prophet and defend the sacred institution of marriage, but I am also girding-up for the next battle!
Show me | 5:11 a.m. June 24, 2008
Show me anywhere in the scriptures where it discusses marriage between same gender persons. That is when I will support same gender marriage.
AWB | 5:27 a.m. June 24, 2008
The War in Heaven continues....

The LDS Church is using its authority and influence to try to shape society and the choices that are offered to citizens.

This was Satan's plan... remember??

Joseph Smith said to teach correct principles and let the members govern themselves.

Active LDS, by your own doctrinal definitions, you are now supporting the wrong side of this. A gay lifestyle may be wrong, in your teachings. But limiting the free agency of people is ALSO wrong in your teachings. You are now encouraged to give time, money, and 'do all you can' to limit choices of others.

Who's side are you on??
to yo-yo | 5:45 a.m. June 24, 2008
I am an active member of the Church and I WILL offer my support to the leaders of the Church. And if you can't give your support maybe you should ask yourself if you really are active. you may attend every Sunday but that doesn't mean you are active. I support my Church leaders in this. Marriage is between a Man and a Woman. That's the way God designed it and that's the way it should be.
----- | 5:53 a.m. June 24, 2008
To boiseguy -

"and this church should be unregistered and taxed"

Uhm.... this church pays taxes even though it doesn't have to. Do some research before those blogging fingers get going.

Furthermore, this is not the only church supporting this ammendment, nor is it the only religious affiliation that believes in the traditional institution of marriage.

Sorry to disappoint but this is not just a "Mormon" thing.
Retired California Lawyer | 6:03 a.m. June 24, 2008
The need for an amendment to the California Constitution arises because the four justices in the majority based their argument for striking down definition of marriage in Proposition 22 on the basis of California's equal protection clause. The decision of the California Supreme Court supporting homosexual marriage is so sweeping that the same arguments supporting homosexual marriage would invalidate laws against polygamy and incest.

The issue of homosexual marriage is not just a political issue, rather it an assault against deeply held beliefs of major religions. California public schools for years have indoctrinated students to accept gay lesbian lifestyles, at the same time morality based upon religious texts has been banned in public schools.

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.

Clearly all leaders of churches have the right to urge their members and the public at large to act upon their beliefs regarding, God, families and morality. This is clearly a moral issue.
Tom in CA - re: boiseguy | 6:08 a.m. June 24, 2008
Yet another reason for the "excuse birds" to flock together and turn away from the Church - if it isn't this excuse it will be something else later on down the road. This is not about gay/lesbian rights, but it is all about preserving CA and United States' traditional family values and the definition of marriage. Do you all recall this (Prop 22)is an issue that was voted on and passed by over 60% even in liberal California, and now 4 liberal judges have usurped the power of the voters to their own liking and agenda - this is also about respecting the will of the California and American voters. Get over it BOISEGUY.
Lee | 6:08 a.m. June 24, 2008
To Boiseguy,Mormons have every right to speak up against anything that occurs where they live.The LDS Church leaders are speaking to MEMBERS of thier church, that's all. They are encouraging, not dictating to the voting MEMBERS of the Church.If the measure passes,then so be it. I can assure you though, that Mormons will not threaten to "burn down" establishments that consecrate these so-called marraiges.
Not about | 6:08 a.m. June 24, 2008
to boiseguy YO yo : This is not about politics, it is about morals and how immorality can impact a nation.

If you are an active LDS, you need to figure out if you believe in a prophet. I suspect you may not be spiritually active. Perhaps your body goes, but spiritually, you are somewhere else.
3arwax | 6:14 a.m. June 24, 2008
None of our business? Should I cite the numerous times throughout the world that Christians have been prosecuted for not bowing down to the demands of the homosexuals?

- Catholic Adoption agency closed in Boston for not adopting to gays

- Knights of Columbus sued in Canada for not renting a hall for a gay marriage

- Wedding invitation printer sued in Canada for refusing to print wedding invitations for a gay marriage

- Pastor in Europe jailed for preaching homosexual acts were wrong

- Many incidents in Mass. where elementary kids are taught that homosexuality is OK, despite objections from parents

- Extreme peer pressure from faculty and other students in CT to participate in Gay Repression Day at high schools

- And don't forget the Boy Scouts being sued and then losing privileges they have had for many years for not allowing openly gay leaders

This isn't our business or the business of the LDS church? When I hear that I think it means "I don't agree with you so I am going to try to get you to be quiet."

Why do many believe that churches should stay out of politics? Constitution says it? Read it first.
Anonymous | 6:15 a.m. June 24, 2008
None of our business? I'll cite some examples throughout the world that Christians have been prosecuted for not bowing down to the demands of the homosexuals?

- Catholic Adoption agency closed in Boston for not adopting to gays

- Knights of Columbus sued in Canada for not renting a hall for a gay marriage

- Wedding invitation printer sued in Canada for refusing to print wedding invitations for a gay marriage

- Pastor in Europe jailed for preaching homosexual acts were wrong

- Many incidents in Mass. where elementary kids are taught that homosexuality is OK, despite objections from parents

- Extreme peer pressure from faculty and other students in CT to participate in Gay Repression Day at high schools

- And don't forget the Boy Scouts being sued and then losing privileges they have had for many years for not allowing openly gay leaders

This isn't our business or the business of the LDS church? When I hear that I think it means "I don't agree with you so I am going to try to get you to be quiet."

Why do many believe that churches should stay out of politics? Constitution says it? Read it first.
Paul | 6:23 a.m. June 24, 2008
The Church is a moral island in this world were just about anything is termed 'acceptable', by the ones who want to take away what thousands of years of civilization are all about. Do you think when Jesus returns he will allow same-sex marriages, so why try and justify it now.
Idea | 6:41 a.m. June 24, 2008
The best thing for gay Mormons to do is just leave the Church altogether and live their lives according to the principles they believe in. The Church has demonstrated that they hate gays and will never accept their way of living, so why fight them? It is a losing battle. Live your lives as you see fit. Find the right person and start that monogamous relationship that you've been wanting. Be honest, be kind, be charitable, give back to the community, and be gay. The best revenge is living a good life. Did I mention that it comes with an automatic 10% raise?
Get Real | 6:42 a.m. June 24, 2008
The homosexual movement will not be content with just marriage. Once they get that then it is on to the next demand for equality. The LDS church leaders know that if this battle isn't fought now then they will soon have to fight a battle to keep homosexuals out of the temples. After all, once homosexuals can legally marry, the next demand will be to make their unions eternal. Anything less just wouldn't be fair, now would it?
re: boiseguy | 6:42 a.m. June 24, 2008
You don't even understand the issue. The LDS church is making a statement on morality, which is perfectly within their right. Do you actually think the church would support gay marriage when they think that homosexuality is immoral? That would be a contradiction. The church HAS to take a stand for the sanctity of marriage because of what it teaches about morality. You act all surprised and disgusted like this is a new revelation to you. Yet anyone with an ounce of intelligence would recognize that the church is doing exactly what it teaches by supporting its belief in morality. And having a stance on morality is perfectly within the right of the church, whether it is part of popular opinion or not. Also, don't fool yourself into believing that the church shouldn't be allowed to have a voice in politics. If the political process ever strips churches of its rights, passes immoral laws, endorses corrupt politicians, churches should have the right to use their pulpit to promote their beliefs in a political nature against attacks on the sovereignty and survival of the church.
Reformed Utahan | 6:44 a.m. June 24, 2008
Add this to the growing list of why I left the church. Homophobic busy bodies, all of them!
re:boiseguy and maybe | 6:54 a.m. June 24, 2008
Webster's defines Marraige as: "the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law" Interesting that in the past few years a new definition has been added about union to a person of the same sex. I know that new words or meaning are added to the dictionary as words evolve thru slang use of terms (like cool, hot, groovey). What we are talking about here is not just the slang of a word but a total redefinition. You can not redefine what marraige is just to make it more convenient for one self. Your comparison of being treated unfairly is hardly a fair comparison either. The church is not asking memeber to tar and feather the gay and lesbian comunity. In fact they are asked to treat them like brothers and sisters that they are. But just like brothers and sisters, everyone in the family still has to play by the same rules. They do not get changes for convenience. I don't tell one kid this is the rule for you and since another does not like it I don't redefine the rules.
Cats | 7:09 a.m. June 24, 2008
marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman whether it be civil, religious or eternal. We may decide to make a law that says a horse is a cat, but it does not change the fact that a horse is a horse and a cat is a cat.

I feel sorry for these people but I have no sympathy with their agenda. A "marriage" between people of the same sex is not a marriage. It is a pathetic counterfeit. No matter how many laws are passed calling it a marriage it will never be a marriage.

I fear for our country. God will not be mocked.
Erosion of Traditional Marriage | 7:09 a.m. June 24, 2008
The erosion of traditional marriage is not caused by gays. It is caused by heterosexuals not living up to their marriage commitments. Stop scapegoating gay people.
GibberSpeak | 7:11 a.m. June 24, 2008
Churches have every right to comment on the issue and it is a moral issue...to the church and those that follow it. But I'm not in the church. I find that most of the arguments they make about any given issue are weak and baseless, hand picked bits of cryptic scripture supporting a personal agenda. Ok, you've said your piece. Dictate to your members as you will. But the religious freedom that lets you do it...I want mine, too. It has to have equal footing in the arena as yours, no matter how many of you there are. Because in the end, we all have exactly the same amount of proof on our positions...none. And religion is a personal thing. My relationship with god is mine, not yours or that of the mob.
Mike Thompson | 7:15 a.m. June 24, 2008
Maybe this will wake up some of the "dead in the water" members. Our nation was founding by the inspiration of God, and this is not a purely Mormon belief. John Adams, our second President said: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Do we understand why we are having so many problems in this nation? We have taken God out of our daily lives. We have accepted those who pervert his ways. We apologize for being LDS and openly oppose the Prophet. WE oppose the teaching of scripture about the perversion called homosexuality. Well, we will all have to face the God who said those things one day. I wonder if we will be ready? I will contact all my family in California, though none of them are LDS. I grew up there, but refused to raise my son in such a state. This illustrates even more why I boycott California at every chance I get, the state, their products, everything. Still, love the sinner, hate the sin. Just do not condone what they do.
bilbo | 7:23 a.m. June 24, 2008
as an active member of the LDS Church, I support this with a great HALLELUJUH!!!!
I also look forward to the time when the LDS Church is known for being ANTI-ABORTION.
I realize the Church has a strong position on Abortion,and have adressed in in Conference, but a lot of people still say:" I know how you feel about coffee, but what is your position on Abortion?"
I will rejoice the day EVERYONE knows how we feel about the killing of unborn babies.
I will rejoice as much as I rejoice now about our position on 'same-sex' marriages!
Vision | 7:26 a.m. June 24, 2008
Like an earlier writer, "this disgusts me to no end", but in the exact opposite way. It is amazing how short sighted we can be. These posts indicate that some believe God (religion) should be (is) uninvolved and uninterested in what happens in the world; as if we created Him and want to reprogram Him. Are you kidding me? It is about time there is one religion willing to shake us and say "look people, America is in trouble. We will reap the chaff in the whirlwind." Can we learn nothing from the past? This is the Church's business because it will effect the world in which we all must live. Other nations are watching us. Many hate us because we would even entertain the notion of allowing such abuse of nature. Stand up and quit being little babies throwing tantrums when we don't get to behave as we please. See the bigger picture here and support this amendment. Some things will just destroy us. This is one of them. Support this marriage measure on the California ballot.
u can 2 | 7:36 a.m. June 24, 2008
to reformed utahan. You are an idiot!! along with everyone else who adopts the dictionary usage of words without understanding. We are not homophobic meaning afraid of homosapiens. We are against the immorality of the homosexual lifestyle. We are not saying people can't have gay relationships but that they should not because it is against the laws of God. We are not seeking to take away others agency but rather attempting to teach the proper us of agency which is to keep our actions within the bounds the Lord has set. You can always do as you please but the purpose of the Church is to direct aright, teach proper doctrine and then you get to choose for yourself.
Anonymous | 7:39 a.m. June 24, 2008
One of the biggest reasons to fight "same-sex marriage" is for the cause of religious liberty. Already, there have been cases in parts of the country where churches are threatened with losing tax-exempt status because they have refused to allow same sex marriages to be performed. Religious-based adoption agencies face loss of federal funds because they have refused to facilitate adoptions into "same-sex marriage" families. If same-sex marriage is accepted widely, it is not a big step for the government to force churches into accepting such marriages
by threatening them with such actions.
In addition, it is not hard to imagine a couple being "married" in California, then moving to another state and then suing to have their "marriage" legally recoginized.
To AWB | 7:41 a.m. June 24, 2008
You ask whose side I'm on. I'll answer that. I'm on the side of the children of the future who may be forced into a family who defines marriage between anything and anyone. The church's position is strong and correct. Children have the right to be born into a loving family with a father and a mother as equal partners in parenting. You would take away that right and choice. The church would preserve that choice and right. This debate is on many battlefronts. This is just one - the definintion of marriage. The church also teaches its members to strive for the ideal family on ALL levels, so don't tell us to focus on everything else BUT marriage in the advocation for good morally solid and righteous families. We will encourage improvement and righteousness in all things. I support the church in this effort.
to: AWB | 7:48 a.m. June 24, 2008
The church isn't advocating taking away your free agency, or anyone elses.

If the proposed amendment, which will define legal marriage as only between a man and a woman, passes; you, me, and anyone else, here in California can continue to pursue whatever vile and perverse or good activity we choose. Our free agency is not taken away.

From what source does this deception you put forth about the church attempting to restrict our free agency come?
Moral Stand | 7:54 a.m. June 24, 2008
Hooray for a moral stand in this eroding nation of ours...

The LDS people are not the only group that is standing for truth and righteousness on this issue. More people need to jump on the family bandwagon before our nation utterly disintegrates!
Why are some still LDS? | 7:55 a.m. June 24, 2008
Left-wing Mormons and gay/lesbian Mormons just need to recognize that the LDS Church is a right-wing organization with B.C. views on human sexuality.

Now more than ever, I am glad to be among the growing number of intelligent, forward-looking poeple that consider ourselves "Post Mormons".

If your upset that the LDS church is taking this POLITICAL stand, remember that it's First Presidency believes that it speaks the will of god. The LDS leaderships view of this god's will is what is perverse. And I strongly oppose this perverted view of history and humanity.
CA Girl | 8:08 a.m. June 24, 2008
Isn't it interesting how one generation can come up with more "enlightenment" than Buddha, the Vedas, Moses, and Jesus combined?

The arrogance and hubris.

With a wave of a magic wand, we can legislate a new definition of marriage. How interesting.

For those of you who think this is a CIVIL issue and not a RELIGIOUS one, study the legal precedents in CA. Find out how many photographers and churches are being legally bullied into accomodating same-sex marriage, unions, in spite of the fact that doing so is contrary to their beliefs.

Who is being marginalized? Who is being discriminated against?

It isn't just Latter-day Saints but any opinion based on religious thought.

It is absolutely the obligation of the LDS church to "butt their nose" into this...
Assault on the Family | 8:07 a.m. June 24, 2008
Redefining marriage is an assualt on the bedrock foundation of society, the family.

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" is very explicit and clear on the Lord's definition and purpose of marriage:

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan."

I encourage everyone to read and ponder the entire proclamation.

I believe that this is a defining moment for members of the LDS Church -- a wheat and tares issue -- that will separate those who have the faith and courage to follow the Lord, from those who will choose a different path.
Anonymous | 8:11 a.m. June 24, 2008
"However, I find it interesting that those who choose to not follow God do it so loudly, proudly and openly, while those who choose to follow Him, do so quietly."

Well, it seems that the church has asked you not to be quiet any longer.
worried | 8:15 a.m. June 24, 2008
I would be more worried if the LDS Church didnt make a statement!!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

previousnext

Latest comments

Boys basketball rankings

Thank Bingham's former coach, George Sluga, for how good your team will be...

Girls basketball rankings

I know that preseason "rankings" mean nothing whatsoever, but 4A better keep...

Boys basketball rankings

Will the Broncos "finally" get out of the first round? With only 12 teams in...

Utes' Wynn in for awakening

Weird, I was walking to my car this morning, and I intercepted ANOTHER pass...

Ex-Aggie ties CFL playoff record

I think Chic is on the other side of the ball in that championship. Congrats...

No chance that erosion on the tiny island could also play a role?

After attending a Utah vs. BYU game in Provo, while walking to our car, my...

BYU would like friendlier rivalry

I've been going to Utah BYU games for years and have never seen Utah fans...

Climate-change debate heats up

gp asserts, "The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere at 390 ppmv is...

Letters: Trump card for believers

in order to be aware that killing the unborn is wrong. Since when did this...

Advertisements