Power to the people – God bless the Mormons in California! Prop 8 controversy

One little glimmer of light over the fruited plain
LOS ANGELES (AP) –

In an election otherwise full of liberal triumphs, the gay rights movement suffered a stunning defeat as California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriages that overrides a recent court decision legalizing them.

The constitutional amendment—widely seen as the most momentous of the nation’s 153 ballot measures—will limit marriage to heterosexual couples, the first time such a vote has taken place in a state where gay unions are legal.

Jenny Hatch

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Of which I am a faithful member) has issued this statement about the passage of Proposition 8 in California:
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SALT LAKE CITY 5 November 2008 COMMENTARY

Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.

Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.

Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.

We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.

It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.

Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.

Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.

Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.

Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.

The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.

Here is a round up of excellent articles written by thinking Mormons to help educate my readers on this issue.
Will Gay Rights Trample Religious Freedom? Marc D. Stern
Same-Sex Marriage Is About More Than “I Do” Lowell Brown
Church Readies Members on Proposition 8
The Negative Impact of Same-Sex Marriage
How Same Sex Marriage Affects all of us

Standing Up for Prop 8: “I Hope You Know We’re Not Haters” Michelle Worley
Californias Proposition 8: Open Season on Mormons? Lowell C. Brown
Proposition 8 and Californias School children: A Primer on Falsehoods Lowell C. Brown
Amidst the media campaign against Prop 8 a particularly bigoted attack against mormons came out in the form of this television ad:

More Articles about Prop 8 written by Mormons:
The Perils of raising the Title of Liberty: Maurine Jensen Proctor
Quote from Maurines Article:
Two Hard Realities

“During this campaign, two hard political realities have been driven vividly home to those working in the trenches for marriage, children, and religious freedom. Defending family and any remnant of morality in this nation will demand courage and clarity-and it will not be just a single skirmish after which we can all put our signs down and go home with some relief.

This struggle for the heart of our nation does not allow for extended summer vacations or long-term retirement in an easy chair. We are not born into a time for easy chairs-and it is because as citizens we have been dozing for too long that our nation has arrived at this point of moral blight on every side where defending the right of a child to deserve a mother and a father is considered hate speech.”

Testimonials from LDS Street Activists

“These pictures were taken minutes before a car sped by and someone threw a handful of coins at this cherub, my grandson, giving him a huge goose egg on his head. We were so grateful it wasn’t anything larger, or more dangerous, and yet WE’re the HATERS. It’s been challenging and yet rewarding as ward, stake and community members UNITED in a common goal, and an opportunity to support President Monson as our Prophet, by more then lip service.