Deseret News | Hundreds take to S.L. streets to protest, support Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage

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Hundreds take to S.L. streets to protest, support Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage

558 comments | Read story

Take this Off | 9:01 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Get this issue out of the news. Thats what you usually do D-News. There are much bigger fish to fry than talk about this stupid subject and issue. Of all the real important things going on right now it seems this is #1 in Utah. Get rid of it and let it die. The majority of us want to talk about what affects our daily lives, and future. This is the problem I have the media, wanting to talk about small hometown issues.

Think | 9:02 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

OK, so if everybody comes to Utah and helps to boycott all the gay films at Sundance, do you really believe that will teach Mormons a lesson they will never forget? Is this funny to anyone else?

WOW 100's protest | 9:06 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

How is this news? I've got one, 100's go to church on Sunday, 100's get up a go to work every day, Who cares if 100's protest?

Comments continue below

Sue | 9:06 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

I find it very interesting that it's OK to malign and attack the LDS church and it's members...Mormons(not all LDS voted yes) were only a small fraction of the people that voted Yes on 8. It's not politically correct to protest against other religions or races(nor should it be!), but put down the Mormons...that's just fine! If I choose to donate money to a cause I have every right to do so(everyone does) without a witch hunt afterwards, without fear and coercion trailing me. It is not about hate! I don't understand how a reasonably intelligent person cannot understand the concept of loving the sinner and not the sin! Tolerance means living side by side peacefully despite differences, it does not mean to tolerate every behavior.

Bryce | 9:07 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Judging from what I've seen here, common courtesy has become disturbingly uncommon. Is it too much to ask that you treat others like thinking human beings, rather than some vast force hell-bent on destroying everything good?

I'm a straight man, who is an uncompromising supporter of gay rights. I do believe that marriage ought to be a right granted to any two consenting adults who want to express a deep, lifelong commitment.

I am not alone. Those who paint the gay rights movement as an active, perverted few forcing their will on all the good, decent people, need to just stop. Polling suggests that between 30 and 45% of Americans support same-sex marriage. But that fraction is much higher among young adults, and in time I believe that the idea of gay marriage will be greeted with a resounding yawn.

Until then, I suppose the shouting will continue. But proponents should take heart: In 2000, a similar referendum in California was voted down by 60% of the population, not 52%. At that rate, a ballot initiative to repeal 8 could be successful in 2012.

They really don't let people say much here, do they? 200 words? Ick.

WAKE UP | 9:13 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Far from showing that Californiaï¿½s Supreme Court was wrong to extend the right of marriage to gay people, the passage of Proposition 8 is a reminder of the crucial role that the courts play in protecting vulnerable groups from unfair treatment.

Nancy | 9:16 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

I agree with Scott. I think that Gays need to be reminded that Godï¿½s will is that marriage remain only between a man and a woman. Much like children who need their parents to teach them right from wrong or protect them from hurting themselves, I believe many of us depend on religion to teach us Godï¿½s ways; the Bible is the word of God and it has a great history of people who followed Godï¿½s commandments and those that have strayed and embraced the ways of the world. The outcome was usually not good for the latter (i.e. Sodom & Gomorrah, Genesis 19:24) Following Godï¿½s commandments is a recipe for a happier and more peaceful life. I think that the passage of Prop 8 not only has made it clear that the line been drawn in the sand but also that Gods commandments do not have an expiration date.

Confused | 9:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Somebody please help me understand. I've been watching the latest news regarding the passage of proposition 8. What I don't understand is that the Gay and Lesbian communities around the nation are rising up in what can be perceived as in-tolerant, hateful, destructive, selfish, disgraceful behavior towards supporters of proposition 8. Yet, during these so called "rallies" they call others bigots, hateful, lacking tolerance, and every other foul and hateful word. They refuse to believe or be tolerant of others beliefs. They call people like me a bigot because I believe in the sanctity of marraige, because I believe marraige is ordained of God, because I believe families are a fundamental foundation of society.
Somebody please help me understand why my beliefs cannot be "tolerated" but I must "tolerate" the beliefs of others?

Concerned | 9:31 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Marriage is PRIVELEDGE not a RIGHT!!!! You are not guaranteed the right to marry in the Constitution. STOP TRYING TO RE-WRITE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!

Accept what a MAJORITY has spoken and move on!!!!!!

First Dude | 9:45 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

I was told many times in my youth that liberalism was more than an ideology, it was a form of mental Illness, i believe that now, more than I ever have in my life. you cannot reason with a liberal, no matter how hard you try. they all seem to have a one track mind. their way or the highway. so it,s useless to try to convince them that they are fighting a lost cause. they have lost two times at the polls, and it's much easier to play the blame game than to face the fact that the people have spoken out about their life style pertaining to same gender marriage,and that they had better settle for the other alternative, legal rights. one with the other. you wont get your way with temper tantrums

Look at the other side | 9:50 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

If you look at the other side, millions of dollars were spent on the no on 8 campaign also In fact I believe a million was by Bruce Bastian right here in Utah, out of state funds came from all over from both sides, thats life, live with it.

Jimmy Z | 9:55 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

jIMMY SAYS : tHE CHURCH IS THE BEST AND
mAN BELONGS TO WOMAN IN A MARRIAGE....nO QUESTIONS
ASKED

Phoebe | 9:56 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

We shall overcome. And never never never ever give up.

So many ????? | 9:57 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Why doesn't anyone debate the real issue?

Is Homosexuality right or wrong?

Answer that one honestly and move on. 2% of the population does not make society, we all do by choosing what we tolerate. The moment we as a society give an inch they'll want it all. Don't believe me? Just look around and notice how much we have allowed to be "tolerated". This is not about rights. If something is wrong then there are no rights. This is just one of many issues that we let ruin our lives by the attitude of "live and let live". Religion is involved (as it should be)because it is a moral issue. If we are truely a christian nation we would not allow the sin but help the sinner. It seems that we want to do both. Tolerate the sin and sinner! Again I ask, is it right or wrong? Fight over that. Not about some so called "rights" that never were.

Who are we? Good people doing nothing?

Where are our Morals?

It can not be both, YOU are either for HOMOSEXUALITY or YOU are not. No live and let live attitude. It does not work.

This isn't Hate!

Erika Skougard | 10:06 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Deseret News: This statement in your article is misleading and irresponsible: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Friday in response to recent demonstrations ï¿½ and in some cases vandalism ï¿½ at church buildings." You have implied that the vandalism to Church property that has been reported has taken place during demonstrations. This is inaccurate. Shame on you for twisting the truth like that. As we all know, this is an extraordinarily emotional issue; as an LDS-owned paper, I would think you'd go out of your way to demonstrate journalistic integrity and avoid slanted misleading statements like this.

Don McLean | 10:11 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

There's a line in the hit song "American Pie" that I'm reminded of when I see the actions of the Gay and Lesbian protesters:

"And I saw Satan laughing with delight ... "

Great examples | 10:13 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Let's cry like a bunch of babies until we get our way. The majority voted wrong because they didn't vote the way we wanted them to. If anybody has a view that is different than mine they are haters. Get a life people, you make yourselves look more idiotic every day.

MAYBELLINE | 10:17 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Dear me - what venom. I don't see discrimination at all. A gay may has every right to marry a woman just like a straight man has every right to marry a woman (please adjust for lesbians). I do believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints finds this issue very important. They are organized and expressed their opinion within the bounds of law. Those opposed to Proposition 8 had the same opportunity to organize and gather funds from the entire universe if possible. The political process played itself out with this issue.

I surely don't want to give advice to the militant gay rights effort; but perhaps this age old advice might help:

You attract more bees with honey - not vinegar.

It's simple. | 10:20 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Sodomy is wrong. This is an easy question.

Why should they give up? | 10:21 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Why should they give up? If Prop 8 had failed, the christian conservative right would have tried to get it banned again. No doubt about this. What if african americans had given up when the people spoke? Public opinion is changing and old bigoted people are dying out. Keep trying gay and lesbian community! I understand where you are coming from, and I hope that people will start to open their minds and their hearts. Love you!!

-yes I am LDS and I am not happy with their involvement in this issue.

CougarKeith | 10:25 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Nobody is trying to "Take Away Rights". The Church has not said, "The Gay can't be Gay". It's a sin, and it and it's members, and God (See Scriptures) disdain Homosexual sex, but nobody is trying to "Take Rights Away". Marriage is a right between a man and a woman, in essense isn't the "Gay" community trying to strip the rights of the "Straight" community by taking away our right to be married as husband and wife? It would be like trying to put a Gay Guy in the Miss America Pageant, It doesn't work! IT JUST DOESN'T WORK! This is Satan working on the destruction of the USA, and the Dumbing Down of Societal Morals. Nothing more, and nothing less. The Gay Community are nothing more than pawns in an eternal war, and they are unfortunately on the losing side. I for one empathize with them, and feel sorry for them, and feel thier pain. I also know they are hard wired this way from something, but help is available once they get through their denial.

K | 10:28 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Here's what I don't get. Gays want Mormons to stop being what they claim "being discriminated against" when they're being the hypocrites and they're vandalizing church buildings, sending hate mail and warning members to "watch their backs". Who's discriminating now? Last I checked Mormons had just as much right to voice their opinions, and yet if someone doesn't agree w/ us we don't go vandalize their place of worship and send them death threats. It was more than the Mormon church who stood up to this proposition. If you wanted to be treated equal, then start treating everyone else equal and maybe then you'll find the problem lies in how you guys are treating others.

re: how ironic??? | 10:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Eons?! Really, wow that's a long time

man cow | 10:35 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

"Hundreds" of demonstrators., wow. Why is it when they demonstrate it is ok, but when other people put their agenda forward, it is pushing their views on everyone. Always the double standard.

re: just reward | 10:35 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

So, the Mormons did all of this? What about the 52% of Californians who actually voted for proposition 8 over two weeks ago? What about the more than 60% of Californians who voted to define marriage between a man and a woman over 8 years ago? Why don't you mention the Catholic church, or the African American community? If you are going to place blame for all of your troubles at the feet of someone, atleast place the blame at the correct feet.

Don | 10:41 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Lets look at the facts! Proposition 8 passes legally and while the Gays protest and destroy property legally owned, the Mormons are helping to feed the hungry and care for the needy and those burned out in California! Having friends of both persausion I remind my friends who are Gay that the Mormons have suffered in this country worse than you could ever imagine, but yet they still reach out to others! Including those who are Gay! Hum, makes you wonder what is a rational arguement? Express your anger through the vote or the Nation splits then where will you be? Lastly not only Mormons voted on this issue! So did Baptists, Methodists, Jews, Anglos, Hispanics, African Americans and Asians? Amazing they are all minorities too who became the majority! Think about it!

tigerlily | 10:47 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

everyone has the right to vote anyway they please. the church members are the ones who voted for it not the church itself. the church doesn't tell its members how to vote. they say be sure to vote. what is going on now isn't helping the gay cause one bit

tigerlily | 10:49 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Anonymous: well guess what. there is not way that the temple marriages can be stopped nor should they be.

Just one voice among... | 10:49 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

I am glad that the ideals, morals and standards of the definition of marriage has been upheld. All this talk of rights comparisons and "what if" hetero- marriages were threatened is irrelevant..Might I remind you all of a story about Adam & Eve. God gave them the ability to marry. He chose to make man and woman to compliment and strengthen each other. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. That will never change. Marriage is a God given union.
If you want to live by the worldly rules, that are constantly being changed to market evil to the world, then have your civil unions and be at peace. But when you play by God's rules, as some day we all will, the terms of marriage have been explicitly defined. Perspective please.

This ruling in CA has nothing to do with the Mormon's, except that they were some of the tools to get the voice of the people heard. This isn't about bigotry or hate. This has to do with standing on the Lord's side and protecting the sanctity of marriage.."Choose you this day Whom you will serve..but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

re: Don | 11:02 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Well put Don, well put!!

Tuffy Parker | 11:08 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Can anyone envision Mormons, Baptists, Catholics, African Americans, Hispanics, etc out protesting and vandalizing if the vote had gone the other way?

Common Sense | 11:12 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Equal rights by definition means every man and woman has the exact same rights.
The passing of Prop 8 did not grant anyone anything but equal rights.
Every man in California has the same equal right to marry a woman.
Every woman in California has the same equal right to marry a man.
The limitation is that no man can marry another man and no woman can marry another woman.
Well guess what? That limitation applies equally to me as a heterosexual man as it does to you as a homosexual man.
Gays are not calling for equal rights. They are calling for special rights.
And lets not even get into the argument about how marriage never was a right to begin with.
I find it interesting that I have yet to see one opponent of prop 8 that posts in this forum back up any argument they have made with logic and reason. Probably because what they desire to shove down every ones throats is both illogical and unreasonable.

Tuffy Parker | 11:15 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

If one believes in God, the pattern was established from the onset. If one does not believe in God or creationism, the pattern was established by nature. In either case, we're here (mankind at large) because of a man and a woman union and the unique role each plays in creating new life. IMO, marriage sanctifies that union and creates a heaven blessed or a natural family. To apply the term marriage to something other than that union, reduces or marginalizes the sanctity of that status.

A gay union is not a marriage in the same sense that a heterosexual union is. It can't be by either God's definition or nature's.

Oh Brother! | 11:22 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

If I read one more comment about separation of church and state I am going to puke. Shows the illiterate nature of our so called citizens who enjoy civil rights. Read the constitution and do some research into the reason for the concern over religion before you open your big mouths and make yourselves look like idiots. The founding fathers sought to PROTECT religion from the government, not the other way around. Remember why people came here to begin with? Go back to high school people.

Respect, Be Tolerant | 11:24 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

The California Prop. 8 campaign manager said "It strikes me as quite ironic that a group of people who demand tolerance and who claim to be for civil rights are so willing to be intolerant and trample on other people's civil rights.".. I say "Amen" Brother

things that make me go hmmm | 11:28 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

If you are a gay Christian, how does that work? If you profess a belief in the Bible how can you at the same time mock God by actively doing that which he has clearly condemned? It is true that no man can serve two masters and if anything this prop 8 fight has made that crystal clear, as gay Christians actively fight against the will of the God they profess to believe in.

Rules, Rights, Coice ???'s | 11:32 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

It is the belief of the LDS that we were given
"Free Agency". The ability to choose between good and evil, right and wrong. I know of no doctrine that allows us to make our own rules.

"Rights" are what we as a society give to each other, they change as WE ALLOW them to be changed. That is what is going on here. Some want the rules to change. So votes have been held and overwelmingly the votes have been for good.(I know, Good is my opinion) Evil doesn't want to quit. NEVER, never, ever! Will we?

It is said that "evil will be made to look good, and good to look evil". What are we letting happen to our society by our actions? (Or inaction)

I don't hate my fellowman (or sister), I HATE to watch evil win. So I will voice my opposition to any evil perceived right as long there is a fight.

I long for the type of attitude Captain Moroni had with the Title of liberty. Freedom and Peace come by action, take a stand and choose the right.

ks | 11:37 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Did I not understand right? Did not gay marrage not get voted down in 3 states or similer props? Did the people not speak? Why all the protests, it was soundly voted down, or is this a best of 3 vote? or 5 maybe?

me | 11:44 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

SO the Mormon hating crowd is finally exposed and united in their goal to destroy the influence of all religion on society. No one cares. It doesn't change anything. I've been hearing it all my life. It just makes me stronger. Christ endured that same kind of skewed thinking and I'm glad to be on His side of the issue.

You will separate church and state the day you learn to segregate the thoughts in human minds. Frankly, I do not seperate my belief that God exists from my belief that killing is bad. They are all just truths in my mind. People only try to segragate them when they want to diminish the value of one of the catagories. Sad really.

JimBob | 11:44 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

time to switch topics. let's talk about the BYU vs. Utah showdown this coming Saturday at Rice-Eccles....outstanding game on tap.

So who donated to prop 8? | 11:47 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called upon their members to ï¿½do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman.ï¿½

Statistics are now available to show how successfully the LDS church members responded to this call. Google "mormonsfor8" for more information.

To those of you who can't understand why the Mormon church has been singled out for their involvement with Proposition 8, the statistics are quite revealing. According to California state records, of all donations of $1000 or more to the proposition 8 campaign, almost 48% of those donations came from the members of one church.. the Mormon church.

Wade | 11:48 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

The state has a legitimate interest in who can be married and who cannot be. It has been determined that marriage between a man and woman is the best way to achieve the purposes of the people as a whole. Marriage is not a right. If it were, people wouldn't have to pay for a marriage license and meet certain requirements. For similar reasons that people cannot marry their cousins or multiple people, it has been determined by 30 states whether by vote or state Constitution that it is in the best interest of the people to define marriage between man and woman. This is not to say that gays are being denied any rights because they haven't been. Marriage is not a civil right. Read Jeff Jacoby's editorial in the Boston Globe from last Wednesday for some real insight.

rvalens2 | 11:51 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Gay marriage is coming to Utah.

The Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution guarantees it.

...;nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; NOR DENY TO ANY PERSON WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS.
(emphasis added)

14th Amendment to the Constitution, Section 1.

What does this mean? It means that laws that apply to any one of us must apply to all.

The argument is straightforward and simple.

Marriage is not defined in the U.S. Constitution as being between a man and a woman; until it is, the law is clear. Gay marriages must be allowed. To do otherwise is UNEQUAL treatment under the laws of the land.

Why the Gay community continues to waste its energy on marches, protest and half-measures is beyond me.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on this would in one fell swoop end this constant bickering.

Wise up Gay community!

Jim | 11:52 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

You can vote on marriage between a husband and wife when the bible says that such an act is an abomination to GOD. Go live in Europe if you don't like a Christian based country.

Wade | 11:54 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Oh and one more thing, the mob/protest mentality is cowardly and shows no knowledge of the issues or any semblance of intelligence. It represents people that can have a 3 word slogan and yell and scream at other people without fear of retribution (kind of like the internet). Please try to know the facts. The LDS church did not put any money into this issue. It's members did. It's members are people and have every right to do so. If you think the government is going to eliminate the tax exempt status of religions that get involved in politics (all of them), you are insane. Churches across this country fulfill a great role that the government couldn't on its own. They save the government countless millions of dollars in volunteer work to help the poor, disaster relief, donations, and service work. There is truly a compelling interest to leave things as they are in this way just as there is a compelling interest to define marriage

To Stenar | 11:54 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Here in San Diego is was a about 300. Not Thousands

Landon | 12:07 a.m. Nov. 16, 2008

If anyone can show me where in the constitution, or any of the amendments, it guarantees anyone, gay or straight, the RIGHT to marry, I'll vote for Gay Marriage next time it comes around, and I'll even donate money to the cause.

Constitutional Amendment | 12:10 a.m. Nov. 16, 2008

We can no longer live in a Divided United States. I think we should have a Constitutional Convention and let the States Decide on a US Constitutional Amendment that states: "Only Marriages in the United States will be Between One Man and One Woman". 34 States would need to ratify such an amendment, and since 30 states already have such a statement, what would it take to get 4 more? Then it would BE Constitutional and not Subject to the Courts.

Remember that Dred Scott and Jim Crow Separate but Equal were not Votes, but the opinions of the COURTS. Edmunds-Tucker was congressional legislation, not votes. History PROVES that the courts have forsaken rights, while the Vote of the people have protected them. Frankly, if we are to survive as a republic, keep the power in the hands of the people as stated by James Madison.

See you in 2012... | 12:23 a.m. Nov. 16, 2008

Marriage is not a "right" that was taken away Prop 8.

Marriage is a privilege, it has ALWAYS been between a man and a woman and was NEVER between two persons of the same gender. It was created by God in the beginning. God also forbade homosexuality. He has not altered his decrees.

Just because judges overstepped their authority and permitted gay marriage for a few months in California did not change these facts. Gay marriage did not become a right and homesexuality is still immoral, regardless of those judges' opinions.

The gay community's anger over Prop 8 stems from your dashed hopes that calling civil unions marriages would make it appear that homosexuality is mainstream and no longer forbidden by God. Californians saw through your thinly-disguised scheme and defeated it again.

Your anger at Mormons rises from your plan being thwarted by a religious coalition being courageous enough to stand up to your criticism, name-calling, vandalism and threats to defend morality and truth.

Sorry about being better organized and winning twice. Please continue acting out, because it will show America your true colors and make winning next time even easier.

Our sleeping giant is bigger than yours...

Educate yourselves | 12:23 a.m. Nov. 16, 2008

Don't mention gays being Christians in the same sentence because the bible clearly states that marriage is between man and woman. Merely believing in God is not sufficient enough whereas a true christian sill seek to know Doctrine or facts. Nothing is going to backfire on the church and no the church will NEVER allow gay marriage. You call it hate but that would just contradict the doctrine of the church. Just keep doing what your doing and soon the majority show up and reduce your numbers from minority to minute.

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Courtney Sargent, Deseret News

Protesters Keri Bryant (left) and Nancy Valdez cheer during Join the Impact Salt Lake's March for Equality at the Salt Lake City-County Building Saturday.

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Hundreds take to S.L. streets to protest, support Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage

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Reader comments Hundreds take to S.L. streets to protest, support Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage

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Hundreds take to S.L. streets to protest, support Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage