Deseret News | Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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What Happened? | 2:16 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I am straight, but left the church many years ago for my own reasons. I belong to another church now (and have no intention of going back), but I did not remember it being so contentious and so apparently full of ill will. In fact, it used to seem the opposite. What happened?

Very appropriate | 2:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

THANKS REALLY| 8:11 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
"I think its inappropriate in most cases to be quoting scriptures to these people that are already feel hurt by this situation."

I think it is very appropriate. The scriptures are for everyone not just the believers. They have a lot of good counsel too and serve to put the learning of the world in its perspective. If you do not give a person the opportunity to learn the other side of the argument they really cannot exercise their free agency.

Jake Brubaker | 2:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Proposition 8 is right. Gay marriage is WRONG, and it`s lifestyle is WRONG too. Look at the stats! God knew all along, it was not for human consumption. Give your heads a shake, and get right with the Lord! After gay marriage, they will want to adopt pure little kids into their den of hell, they are out to deceive the world. Resist corruption!

Comments continue below

hgdf | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

oh brother! now I've heard everything.

Anonymous | 3:28 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Kudos to California for passing prop 8, it was and is the right thing to do. The lifestyle is wrong and perverted and one day these folks will have to stand before the Lord and explain themselves. The church has the moral right and responsibility to speak out this and they have done so , but the people of California have spoken ever more loudly, so give it up and let it go.

Defining Marriage?? | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

ANONYMOUS |

ï¿½It's comical that Mormons are out front defining marriage when just a few yearS ago Mormons were defining marriage as one man and anywhere from one to a few dozen women. Why do Mormons think they are such moral highbrows that they should be out telling everyone else how they need to live.ï¿½

Mormons never pressured society to change the definition of marriage in fact they wanted to keep to themselves and live their lives in peace. When the United States Supreme Court ruled against polygamy, the practice was stopped. Contrast this to the gay movement.

Homosexuals have lost none of their civil rights. Have they been sent to prison for being gay? Have they been disenfranchised for being gay? Have they been denied the right to sit on juries because they are gay? Have their homes been invaded unlawfully in a search to find evidence of illegal cohabitation? Have they been forced to leave the country? All these things happened to polygamists. Can you truthfully say that the Mormon Church has hurt gays like this. Trying to compare polygamy to gay marriage and the denial of civil rights is like mixing apples and oranges.

Ekaterina | 3:45 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I think the LDS Church should have its tax exempt status revoked as they are no longer a spiritual institution, but rather, a political machine. It would help our economy.

Demographics | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Opponents of Proposition 8 insist that the electorate is softening and that the future is bright for their cause. They better get busy. With each passing year, California becomes more Hispanic and more African-American. Evidently, the majority of folks in those two demographics still think that having children is a good thing and that marriage between a man and a woman is the way it should work. While liberal white "educated" folk in California work on the gay agenda with their dogs, cats, and same-sex partners, the very demographic that primarily opposes them is growing exponentially. Those who opposed Proposition 8 may have seen their best chance evaporate before their eyes this year. At last check, each passing year notes fewer and fewer states without amendments/legislation proscribing gay marriage. Y'all have a long row to hoe and you better make hay while the sun shines because it's looking more and more desperate for you....

Alan | 4:02 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I thought the people of California voted not the church. What makes a democracy work is that after the election, we all accept the decision. I did not vote for Obama, but I accept him as my new President. Only once in US history did people not accept the people's election result and that resulted in a bloody civil war that divided the nation and thousands lost their lives.
A key foundation of a democracy is when the people vote via the ballot box and we all accept the decision. Yes, we may continue to protest but peacefully and without targeting any group or individual. "Play the ball and not the man" is what my coach used to tell me.

re defining marriage | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

please define a few years ago.

California Citizen | 4:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

The Mormon church should not "wonder" why they are being singled out by the demonstrators. It is because of the truly mean-spirited campaign they conducted on behalf of Proposition H8 and for the outright lies they promulgated so vociferously, unlike the other churches and organizations that merely supported it. They took it upon themselves and now they deserve what they get.

True Californian | 4:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Personally, I think Utah should take it's Church of Mo and withdraw from the Union. In the meantime, they should keep their money out of California elections, and stop dumping $20 million into fear monger commercials that had nothing to do with the issue at hand.

Fight Back! | 4:48 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I just heard on the radio that protests continue against Mormon churches today in La Jolla and Oakland, California. There will undoubtedly be more to come. That is what they get for picking this fight in the first place. Your nasty church earned this black eye.

anne | 5:08 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

to what happened: The people in the church aren't any more contentious that ever before. Some are and they don't know when nice works better than whatever it is they are doing on here. Most people in the church are as nice as they ever were. :D
I wish there weren't those willing to let their emotions get away from them on both sides. Surely most homosexual people are nice people too. The ones I have known are. Kay and Barbara were great! (just in case they happen to be reading saying hi!) Always willing to take all those swarming bees out of our backyard. lol.
I think its pretty much a few on both sides stirring it up. Time to take the foam down a bit!

From A Gay...... | 5:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

For you information,Oregon does indeed celebrate Pioneer Day!

We are greatful that the mormons stopped in Utah.

Las Vegas | 5:11 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I have tried to keep up with this blog and I am continuously amazed at how ignorant people are. First, comparing what this vote did to Gays and what happened to mormons in history is awful. No gays are dying because of this vote, they are not getting ripped from their homes and tarred and feathered and killed in front of their families. Second, the leaders have every right to tell their people what God wants from them. That is why we have them. Third, when you say that you never voted to go against mormon plural marriage, you show your ignorance again. Plural marriage was banned by the US government and rather than protest or get in to a pissing contest, the mormon church leaders told their members to stop the now illegal practice adhering to the laws that were voted in. Why can't the Gays do the same thing. The church does not have plural marriage now and will never have it again as long as it is illegal! Suck it up and go with what the people want. We voted, you lost!

Gimme a Break! | 5:13 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

"LDS official lauds work for California's Prop. 8"

"Elder Clayton says leaders 'grateful'..."

And you wonder WHY the church is now being targeted? It has nothing to do with your prophet, your god, or your scriptures. It has to do with your venemous conduct.

ScottAZ | 5:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Once again, NO Church funds were spent on Prop 8. If individuals who are members of the Church spent their own money on prop 8 then so be it. It is the anti-Church groups that are being hateful and vicious. Get real. This is not a political issue and will not be influenced by any amount of protesting.

LDS in SoCal | 5:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

It is ADAM and EVE not ADAM and STEVE. WHEN will you people get it. God had spoken through his Prophet and HIS living Church. What do you not understand about that?

LDS against Prop 8 | 5:31 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Some of these comments are so out of touch with reality it baffles my mind.

1. Yes, there are LDS gays --- get a clue. Yes, I am gay. Yes, I am LDS --- served a mission and all. In the church since 1979. BTW, did any of you bother to see how some promiment LDS people are voting no on 8? Obviously not.

2. Marriage for gays will keep traditional marriages intact --- for fundamental LDS people, it's called temple marriage.

3. The repeating comment that somehow extending the same rights to gays as heteros have will somehow change how education is done or allow people to sue ministers baffles me. -- That is the underlying message on protectmarriage.com. But no worries, traditional marriages are alive and well, at least half of them are --- the ones that don't end in divorce.

4. By ignoring the rights, yes, rights, of LGBT community, and then turning around and saying, in the same breath, "we are not homophobes" is speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

5. And no, we will not let this rest. We will not stop, until equal rights are enjoyed by all. Until then...

To ScottAZ | 5:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Church funds were spend. It is documented that travel expenses of church leaders were contributed for a talk to the faithful, not illegal but they were spent. You are wrong in this part of your comment as well the rest of your comment. Hate breads hate and the LDS church is good about picking a fight with hate.

socal | 5:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

To all who keep saying citing the Bible and want to keep marriage a religious institution: Fine. Keep marriage in the church. Just don't expect the government to give you spousal social security benefits. Don't expect your employer to provide spousal medical benefits. Don't expect the IRS to let you claim your spouse on your taxes.
I'm glad so many of you think that homosexuality is a choice. Just one question. Do you think heterosexuality is a choice? Did you have to decide to love a member of the opposite sex?

california lds | 5:38 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I can't believe all that has been said about the church. What is wrong with the G/L groups that I thought was to be loving and caring, come on what you all have been doing is consider as hate crimes.
What members of the church has done was to stand with other's who voted yes on 8 because they believe that marriage is only to be between male and female.
And for your information I want to say thank you for all the attention as more people want to know more about our church and likes us even more. So if you think you will brake us down you wont for God will protect those who obeys his laws and his commandments from those who wants to do us harm, and if you hurt one of us you are hurting the SAVIOR.
Now let this go We VOTED now let the courts handle what they feel needs to and you all grow up children are watching and you all are sending a bad message of hate not peace and love. The LDS members don't hate you, we just love what marriage stands for.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP SAFE UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!

lds | 5:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I am LDS and ashamed at how many self rightous comments are here, are we only to be kind and understanding when we are among people who agree with our beliefs or do we recognize Gay, Straight or otherwise we are all Gods Children and should treat each other as Jesus would want us to???
I have read alot of hate hear and think it is just sad, not a Day that the self rightouse should be proud of...............

Get a life | 5:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Way to go California! You know there wasn't only mormons voting for this in Califonia. It's good to see other religions share the same beliefs. Get a life!

Demonstrators | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

All these "protestors" are really demonstrating is how bigoted and intolerant they are! A temper tantrum! I say let them protest, it just shows the rest of the world what they really are! Put them on TV and let other people see their little tantrums and religious bigitory in action!

March Is Good for Church | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I'm glad the homosexuals are marching on SLC. It's good press for good Americans out there. They get to see that the LDS stand up for something good in a world of devolving standards - the time-honored tradtion or marriage between a man and a woman. Notice something curious - the gays aren't marching on Catholic cathedrals, Jewish synagogues, or Evangelical chapels, are they? Remember folks, they were also big supporters of Prop 8. Go ahead, press. Give us the good exposure. For once, you're getting it right! And you don't even see that, do you? That's cool...

Steve | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

First of all, gays are not, as mentioned by many here, being denied any rights. They are indeed, as denied by many of those here against prop 8, requesting special rights. If everyone on the planet were gay or lesbian, we would die out within a century. So, it only works if only a few people are gay. So why do these people go around handing out propoganda? If it only applies to a few then it is indeed special rights.

Really? | 6:19 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

"It's ridiculous that this debate has gotten so nasty. If two people want to call their union marriage, I still don't see how that's an attack on my family. It's not. Are we just looking for fights? We've got real problems in this country right now...I wish we had this passion about education and health care." by John Pack Lambert

that is hilarious...who has posted more passionately these past four months than you?

Bill | 6:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I don't condone attacks upon individual Mormons, but the Mormon church used its offices and influence to help fund a deceptive and fear-mongering campaign to deny an existing civil right to thousands upon thousands of law-abiding Californians (and prevent one for Arizonans and Floridians). It would NOT have happened without directives coming from Salt Lake City. It's about time the LDS church owns their intolerance.

Sore losers? Roe V. Wade didn't stop the pro-life movement. Why should Prop 8 stop the movement for marriage equality?

Gay | 6:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Gay= bigotry and hate. Want proof! Go watch the protestors.

Say again? | 6:49 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

The reason why the United States of America promotes marriage between a man and a woman is because it is socially/economically the best bet for the country and for people. Not all marriages are stable, but stable families do form a backbone and stability for their country and their children. There are studies that prove this.

If gay people want to co-habitate that is their RIGHT, but it is NO ONE'S right to redefine marriage as stated by law. And NO JUDGE IS TO TELL ANYONE HOW TO VOTE, or take away the right to the law making process of this nation. If the courts just decided everything, WHY WOULD WE NEED TO VOTE? The result would be tyranny by the courts. AND THAT would go many different ways...FOR or AGAINST ANYONE.

Our country was founded on checks and balances. The vote in California was, for me, a check against judges telling everyone else how to vote.

Thomas Olsen | 7:00 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Marriage is a "RIGHT" for anyone other than one man and one woman?
I'll make a deal with those who support anything other than Marriage between one man and one woman.

As soon as any other compination of sex, ie. male-male, female-female, male-male-male, female-female-female. . . you name it, have a natural biological child on a regular basis, (other than ONE Man and One Woman) without any scientific help, then I will consider saying ok to marriage for them. If they can't (and they can't because nature won't allow it)I stant on "Marriage" for ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN"!!!!! End of argument, period.

Therefore, if a right is not god-given than that right has to be taken from someone else. Is that the kind of "Rights" we want to have in this world?

I for one do not.

wake up | 7:04 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

you are protesting against Prop 8 and the government that gave us the rights to protest things that we don't believe are right. You are also protesting against God by trying to be what you are not. Of course you can protest all you want, but the fact is, you were born either a male or a female. God doesn't make mistakes, humans do!

Really?!?!?!?!? | 7:07 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

In re: Voice of the People and others like him

"The prescriptions in favor of liberty, ought to be leveled against that quarter where the greatest danger lies, namely, that which possesses the highest prerogative of power: But this [is] not found in either the executive or legislative departments of government, but in the body of the people, operating by the majority against the minority." -James Madison

I am amazed that the LDS Church, who in the context of its history so clearly understands what it means to be a minority deprived of its fundamental rights by a mob majority, became in turn a leader in front of a majority who is denying a minority of its right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.

Tudor586 | 7:08 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I'm a gay Episcopalian from Massachusetts trying to evaluate the assertion of LGBT protestors that the LDS is actively anti-gay, beyond its role in California politics. I think some of the comments here reflect an animus that unfortunately bears out the perceptions. I am worried for the physical safety of gays in Utah.

Not..... | 7:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

The mormon god and jesus is not the one I know. With all the hate the mormons have I would suggest they take a deep look at who is at the head of there church and examine the values of the leadership.

Nigel UK | 7:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

When a letter is read over every pulpit from the First
Presidency of the LDS church, that is church doctrine. The thinking is done for you, you are commanded to obey. Every Mormon bishop in California was instructed to inform you,based on your tithing,how much you should contribute to Prop 8. There is no choice in the matter, it is pray, pay, and obey. If that is not acceptable to you then it is time to leave the LDS church.

Gene Smith | 7:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Right is right and wrong is wrong. There is no gray area. Who decides what is right and wrong? God does. He tells us through the scriptures. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? Bible is pretty clear why that place was no more.

Good for all the people who stand up for what is right. We need more people to take a stand for right in this country and in the world. Right does not mean hate, it means truth. People who do wrong hate the truth.

Clint in Sevier | 7:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Lookie me Lookie me
I am gay and you must accept me

You Gays are out of control and I for one am glad the LDS Church stepped up. No other church or organization contributed as hard or so much and I am proud that marriage in CA is still between a man and women. Thank you my Brothers ans Sisters. We did the right thing and once again set the example for others to follow.

Urberall | 7:46 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Doesn't the Prophet have a little something better to do than take away the rights of homosexuals. I believe there is a ~5 billion dollar mall that needs a little attention. All the while people starve and die in poverty but we can shop. Why on earth champion the gay rights issue when there are far more human trageties occurring. Building a mall or banning gays rights will not serve humanity. I just don't get the mormons but then again it is a business and I am not am business man.

Good Job! | 7:51 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

GOOD JOB voters of California! Yeah for democracy! Hooray for the LDS an any other church that stands up for what they believe in, and allow their voices to be heard on this MORAL issue.

Let the poor protestors protest, it's like the sorry other person who throws the game board in their tantrum after they've lost. One they go too far, the rest of the moral country will organize against THEM, and shout down their pout.

Believers in God will overcome the amoral in the United States of America!

Beth Anne Kitchsunich | 8:05 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

We say "Let them protest", "Let them whine", "We win" and "You lose." We say this all in the name of Heavenly Father??? I think some of you LDS need to take a look at your comments and think about what you type. We are not a mean spirited people but many of you make us look bad. Agree or disagree we need to be respectful. I disagree with H8 and so did about fifty percent of my ward. It has been a sad month or so and now all you are making this much worse with your comments. What is wrong with some of you!

Anonymous | 8:20 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I am an active LDS Member.

You would think that of anyone to understand what it's like to be left out, bullied, and persecuted against.. it would be us..

It makes me so sad to read and hear all these people making judgement of others.

Love one another.

RE: Kitchsunich | 8:41 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

No need to ask what is wrong with us. There are free thinkers in the LDS church and some are compassionate beyond a photo opportunity. It is great to think for yourself on subjects and you know what I could care less what my ward members care. I love the church and serve the church well but you know what, I am strong enough as a women to leave and not look back if this kind of action is the trend.

Non-LDS Man Here | 8:55 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

To: RE: Kitchsunich

Your comment above shows that you obviously don't even have a testimony of the the Mormon gospel, if you are willing to leave and not look back easily like that. So what is it about the church you love, the social aspect of it all?

mom of three | 9:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

This thread is so sad. It is sad that the LDS church and its' members are being called "mean spirited, judgmental, nasty, etc...". just because of their religious views. Most people who are deeply religious will hold these same views, not just the LDS members. Unfortunately what I am seeing as mean spirited, judgmental and nasty is the way that churches and temples are being vandalized because of the views the church holds. I hope and believe that most homosexual people do not agree that this is right and would not condone it. While the LDS church has stood firm on upholding the law concerning the definition of marriage, they believe that gay couples should have civil rights, access to a partner's health care and insurance, death benefits etc... and have stated this many times. Please be nice everyone. Stating your views is fine (without all the sarcasm!), but bashing each other is unproductive! I've been saddened by the cruelty on here.

Anonymous | 9:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Missionaries are going to have a tough road ahead. I think we are in for though times and converts may be hard to come ny. I hope I am wrong but this is my fear.

You're THAT guy | 9:39 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

TO: Non-LDS Man Here

That kind of self righteous attitude is exactly what the Mormon Church doesn't need. I can't believe the amount of people on this blog who try and prove another's apostasy by there 2 sentence post on Prop 8. I'm embarrassed how many members choose to react with a "holier then though" attitude, it's sad.

Anonymous | 9:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Lol...

Washington celebrates Pioneer Day Also...

Yes indeed we are glad the mormons stopped in Utah and did not make it this far west either!

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11 photos

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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Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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Reader comments Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City

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Prop. 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City