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Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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Meh. | 2:58 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
A protest at Temple Square. What's new.
Rights | 3:06 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
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.
Bored | 3:06 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Seriously don't you people have better things to do. It's Friday night...time to party! Don't waste it at the Temple.
Comments continue below
CTMac | 3:10 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I for one will be up there to protect the temple gates and walls from being vandalized. Come join me!!!

The homosexuals in LA sure don�t have any respect for private property. What a classless bunch.
SoCal | 3:10 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Keep it up protestors. Keep showing us how religion has nothing to do with the issue of gay marriage. Keep showing us how respectful you are of the democratic process. Keep showing us how you don't single out one group of people or Church and scream hateful things at them when they exercise their constitutional right to vote. Keep showing the rest of the country what this is really about.

Keep shooting yourselves in the foot.
Californian | 3:10 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Thank you to all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your help and support in passing Prop 8.

As we did in 2000, Californias have overwelming choosen to support traditional marriage and rejected the rulings of activist judges.


Dennis Jones | 3:11 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
As Elder Packer once stated: "A stately horse, when stung by a fly, is still a stately horse, and the fly is still a fly".

As a California member of the LDS church, I was proud to donate my time and money to this important cause. I encountered hatred and intolerance from those opposed to the proposition as I made hundreds of phone calls. I had a sign in my front yard defaced. This action did not deter me from my volunteerism.

The church will continue to grow throughout the world because of its message of love and hope. This issue, which is hot now, will soon cool and be but a memory.
1 Nephi 14 | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
This reminds me of 1 Nephi 14:13, which says:

"And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the Gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God."

What do you think?
Ashley | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I am a memeber of LDS faith, and the church never tells you how to vote. How can you blame one religion for passing the law. It is the people that passed it not the church. People just want to protest.
Sarah | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Whipple also said, and I am quoting from the front page of the Trib, "We want to show we share their [gay Californians] pain, and here, at the heart of the church, we want to stab it."

Is there nobody organizing a rally to offset the protesters tonight? I would gladly drive downtown to Temple Square to sing hymns and listen to the words of the prophets with other members of the LDS church.
What's the point? | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
It is not only LDS people who voted YES on prop 8, obviously there are other religions and other moral people who believe in marriage between a MAN and a WOMAN. March all you want, but come on, it's not going to change anything. It's like protesting that Obama won, what is done is done. MAJORITY RULES....
one man one woman | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
And afterwards are they going to march around the Catholic church and any other religious or private enterprise that was for Prop 8? Now that would show an unbiased hassel of a specific religion.
Me | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I guess i just don't understand why they think that it is the lds faith's fault? Are they the only ones that don't support gay marriage, i do not think so!
Keep Cali Straight | 3:17 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Why the protest after the fact that it passed? If prop 8 didn't pass there wouldn't be a protest. Plus, your not going to change the LDS churches decision.
Good for them | 3:18 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
How wonderful it is that a group who feels persicuted against can go and express themselves freely. I wish I could be there, however I live in Southern California. I am married with three children of my own, however I see this as the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s. Fear ruled the day during that time in history and now peoples fear is leading them into a similar situation. Be safe and smart to all who are out there tonight. As long as both sides can keep love in their hearts than this is a good experience for both sides to see.
Anonymous | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I don't agree with them, but they have a right to do this. It's a better idea than the one about boycotting Utah. If that plan is carried out, it will punish people that had nothing to do with passing Prop. 8.
jooj | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I don't agree with the protesters, and I think that they are just as closed minded as any one else, but...

God bless America and our rights to protest!!

Free speech for all!
Anonymous | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Have fun wasting your time protesting. Wont change the way the church stands on proposition 8.
Wish I could be there to watch | 3:21 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
These protests are always so entertaining.
Heheh | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Yep, blame the church for what THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS feel is right and moral.

Sorry your activist judges got put in their place.
waste o time. | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Gays want "equality" so they are going to protest and yell garbage at 1 member of a larger coalition. The church's members donated not SLC. I guess they will be walking around every house who donated to the cause. Your "solidarity" will notgain you much support. There are far more people in California who voted for the proposition than there are members of the LDS church. GET A CLUE!
Acegrace | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
The Church did not put their funds into this but does have the right to urge us to fight for our values. So individuals donated money and worked on this project in conjunction with other faiths.
The Church urged civility and said they do not take a position against some things like rights of inheritance or hospital visitation.

Are these protesters not aware that the LDS were only 1% of the population of California and that the Catholics were equally involved? Are they going to march on the Cathedral in Salt Lake too?



No, of course, we are the easier target.

Scarlet | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I plan on attending tonight but I want to know if it will be peaceful enough that I can bring my 9yr old son with me.
Joe H | 3:23 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
This whole protest makes sense... I mean, half of California is Mormon, that is why the gay ban was approved...
Robert Oh | 3:24 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Thanks you Jacob! OXO
Tom in CA | 3:26 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Prop 8 in CA prevailed, and now the sore losers once again want to throw out democracy. They do not want laws, just their own "rules".

If you want to place "blame" on the Yes vote, please consider:

The CA African American community who voted OVERWHELMLY for Obama, voted 80 to 20 against gay marriage, and IN FAVOR of Prop 8 - without this vote the proposition would have lost.

The Mormons played a relatively small role in its passage, all things considered - and mind you, many Mormons voted NO.

What say you??
Luvswomen | 3:26 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Right On!! If I didn't have to work I would be there. How sickening, the church calls it's people to back a law in California so they can help to abolish peoples rights. It blows me away to listen to some of the church doctrine that teaches acceptance and forgiveness then this.... I am a straight male that loves women, life and my rights to do and be whomever I want, as long as I don't interfere with others right. I don';t know where the church gets off sometimes, but I feel bad for all the good people that belong to it and really believe it is the true church...because actions like this prove it is not.
Wake Up People | 3:27 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Get a life. Do you really think the church cares if you march around the temple? Being gay is a choice not a right. Too bad it won't be 30 below tonight.
Ugly | 3:29 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
This is going to turn ugly as soon as some elderly folks try to access Temple Square and the protesters get in their faces. So what's next...gay marriage supporters standing in front of LDS chapels. The protesters will lose their drive after a couple of weeks and go back to complaining about everything with their lives.
Why... | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I guess these folks don't think you should get involved with your community and defend your beliefs.
Mark | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Yawn.
solo man for equality | 3:38 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I encourage everyone that wants equal rights to stand up with me and thousands of others tonight. I cannot stand by and watch as my brothers and sisters in the GLBT community are discriminated againgst. I shall stand up and fight for their right to have a loving relathionship as I do with my wife.
Dave | 3:38 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Like protesting will do a whole lot of good. This will backfire.

By the way. I used to be very sympathetic to the gay community. No more.

The GLBT community is proving itself to truly be the most bigoted and intolerant.
Adam | 3:39 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I'm having a hard time understanding people that want to be different from what has been established for hundreds of years in accordance to the laws of marriage but excpect to get all of the same benefits. When you chose to be gay you consiouscly choose to give up certain rights and privilages. Either live with the consequences of your choice or buy a island way out in the middle of the pacific and create your own little gay society. Quite trying to be different and fit in at the same time.
Chance | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I would like to thank our wonderful gay friends for contributing to our City's revenue by spending money while they are here. Shop away! Protesting is a right, stealing the definition of marriage is obviously not. The people have spoken.....it is democracy at work.
Be Real | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Come on, be realistic. This is the second time the voice of the people have said no to gay marriage. Doesn't the gay movement believe in democracy? Maybe all of us that didn't vote for Obama should stage a protest. Maybe we could get some activist judges to override the will of the people and have McCain put in as president.
Bayou Vol | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Anyone know if the church will be suing the Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles for the property damage caused yesterday at the temple? Anyone know if the handful of members that were physically attacked will seek hate crime charges against the Center?
Michelle | 3:47 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Why is it not okay for people to fulfill their duties as an American citizen and vote, but it is okay for you to go protest at a place that is sacred for many many millions of people?

Why is it that you say the LDS church hates gay people and you cry about it, but then you go and are hateful towards the church?

Seriously...stop for a moment and think. You're being a little hypocritical.
Bayou Vol | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Who's on teh Lord's side who? Now is the time to show. We ask it fearlessly, Who's on the Lord's side who?
The stone cut without hands to fill the earth must grow. Who'll help to roll it on? Who's on the Lord's side who?
Our ensign to the world is floating proudly now, no coward bears our flag, Who's on the Lord's side who?
The powers of earth and hell in rage direct the blow that's aimed to crush the work; Who's on the Lord's side who?
Truth, life and liberty, Freedom from death and woe, are stakes we'refighting for, Who's on the Lord's side who?
Henry Drummond | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Using political activism to enforce religious beliefs works both ways. What is the difference between using political muscle to "defend traditional marriage" against gays and using political muscle "defend traditional Christianity" against Mormon Political candidates such as Mitt Romney? You have sown the wind and you will now reap the whirlwind.
THANK YOU SLC | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
As a straight LDS California resident who feels crushed by the Church's promotion of Prop 8, I want to personally thank all of you SLC supporters of human rights who will be demonstrating. It inspires me and restores some of my faith in humanity to see you making a stand for equality and compassion in the heart of Utah. I will be there with you in spirit.
Michelle | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Sarah.

At 5:30 tonight, there will be people gathering to sing hymns. Wear you Sunday best and a smile. Bring a non-bashing attitude.

It might be successful. I got a text message about it and it is being passed along to tons of people.
Dirk | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
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." The photos of the graffiti sprayed on the fences of the LA Temple really showed the true colors of some of these gay-rights advocates. When your agenda is "tolerance, peace, and love for all who think only as I do," how can you be taken seriously? Those who call all members of the LDS Church "bigots" because they differ on a certain philosophical point - not scientific, mind you - are so blinded by their own religious bigotry that they become almost comical in their pathetic attempts to vilify the LDS Church. Why aren't these people marching around the local Muslim mosques whose leaders strongly condemn homosexuality, or likewise, some of the Evangelical or Catholic churches? It really is perplexing. So much for "tolerance" in the true sense of the word.
oh | 3:51 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
at first i percieved then i thought ...there is nothing wrong on both parts ...the lds have taken their voting rigths that they are entitled to..let them be ..the other religions should be talking peace not about or labeling people bigots..there are some very good people in there ..just don't generalize on either side!
Ashamed to have ever been Mormon | 3:52 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
RE: "No one on either side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information."

How disingenuous. After listening to all the outright lies the Church used to promote Proposition 8 here in California, I find the previous statement to be totally ludicrous. Not only did they claim that gay marriage would be required to be taught in school, they also claimed that churches would be forced to perform gay marriages and close their charities. When I realized that the church was willing to lie for the sake of winning, I lost all respect for it.
richard | 3:52 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
when are the radical homosexuals going to protest at the NAACP, or the Mexican consulate or the Catholic church, all groups that also supported Prop 8? I guess the Mormon church is an easy target.
For What? | 3:54 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
I don't know what they hope to accomplish. I guess they will show thay they can march till they're blue in the face, tired, cold and it will make no difference.

I also don't think there is any reason to put on a counter protest. The hardest fight to fight is one where there is nobody to fight back. a counter protest will do nothing but make them more angry. Then when this is all over, the law will still be the law.
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE! | 3:54 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
Give me a break! First of all - this protest is happening in UT???? What??? UT didn't have to go through hours of this campaign and suffer countless offensive behavoir with the opposition!

Not only that - the "VOICE OF THE PEOPLE" has spoken ONCE AGAIN (jeesh!) ... in ALL 3 states, CA, AZ & FL! ANNNNNNND don't you think that the voice of the people is saying something LOUD AND CLEAR?

Man! There are a lot of DEAF EARS out there!! Get a life - this is SOOOOOOOOO old now...."after-the-fact". It would be like me standing in front of the white house waiving my McCain sign! Moronic!!!!
Yeah Right | 3:55 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
All one has to do is read the comments posted on the other Proposition 8 articles in this newspaper to understand just how mean-spirited and abusive LDS church members are on this subject. Further, the Deseret News was willing to post most of those hateful self-serving and self-righteous posts. Shame on you.
Active Citizen | 3:56 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of those that do evil, but because of those who watch it and let it happen." {Albert Einstein}

A thank you to all of you who supported Prop 8 and didn't watch it and let it happen. Unfortunately, those that oppose it will continue to cry foul. What's next?

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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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