Here's the problem with you lobbying against gay marriage. In this country we still believe in separation of church and state. You have the right to believe whatever you want and worship however you want, and so do I. If our beliefs conflict--so be it, but the STATE does not have the right to legislate against one or the other.

The legalization of gay marriage doesn't threaten your faith. You still have the right to worship however you please and to teach your children whatever you want about God and sexual relations. If your religion chooses not to perform gay marriages, so be it. No one can make them do it because church is SEPARATE from state in this country.

I fail to see how denying two people who love each other and are willing to make a life-long commitment to each other their CIVIL RIGHTS is Constitutional, or even Christian.

 

wow, I have been reading your blog for months now, and as a lesbian mom of 9, I was shocked about this posting. I follow the previous poster on saying that legislation SHOULD follow separation of church and state. Here in New Jersey we have cival union now, and it has made life for our children and us much better. We no longer pay for, myself and the 8 children biological to me, healthcare while my wife works at a university hospital and gets excellent benifits. Also we no longer have the issue of legal gaurdianship for school or ER visits.

While I completely understand your religious veiws on the subject, I ask you to think of the safe of the kids, not for a religion stand point, but as a mother. We almost lost one of our 5 y/o twins 2 years ago, when my wife took him to the ER in congestive heart failure, and could not sign legal right for his open heart surgery, that luckily saved him. Could you imagine your son going into a diabetic coma and your husband not being able to sign legal papers as he stood there watching him get sicker by the minute?

My other point I would like to make is that MANY temples and churches alike ( aside from catholic ) have been performing same sex cerimonies for years. Around us the largest welcome we have had is from our Mormon church, as well as my mother in laws jewish temple. While our cerimony was very very small, we still said our vowels before God, and gave our lives to each other and our than 8 children, and our unborn baby girl. While was are our only same sex couple friends to be wed in the church, many of our friends have decisded to wed legally. While I am a very spiritually religious person, as well as a lesbian, I have never once wanted to be married as a political statement, or a "religious rebel". I have in everyway wanted to be married for the safety and security of my children, to insure they get the best they can!

 

Also as a side note, comparing same sex couple to a pedofile that molests children?!?!?!? REALLY?!?!?

While the infant does not love the pedofile, the same sex couple does.

 

Dear Jen,

Since I have no other way of contacting you, this comment to your comment will have to suffice. First, I'd like you to know that in Connecticut, homosexuals may have a civil union. That's already legal here and I'm fine with that. The problem here is that homosexuals want to change the constitution and redefine marriage. Right now it states that in order to be married you have to be an adult marrying an adult, you have to be of the opposite sex, you have to be human, you can't already be married, and you can't be closely related. Homosexuals want that definition changed to include them. But then, what about when the polygamists want it changed to include them? Do you agree with polygamy? And what about the pedophiles who want to marry young girls--they'd probably want the definition changed for them. And then what about the brother who wants to marry his sister. He's next in line to change the definition. And then what if someone wants to marry their dog cause they love it so much. Should we change the definition of marriage to include those people too? Where do you draw the line? Should anyone and anything that want to be married be allowed? And are you ready to be sued because you disagree with a a man who wants to marry a five year old little girl? I'm not afraid of homosexuals. I'm glad you have your civil union. But I'm afraid that once we change the definition in the constitution it will change my religious freedom. Mormon bishops will be forced to perform marriages that they don't agree with. And even though you don't seem like the kind of person that would sue a Mormon bishop for saying no, there are thousands of others that would. There are already several instances of this happening. I just don't understand why, when you already have your civil union, you have to change the definition of marriage. And I'm definitely afraid of the consequences of doing so. I'm not convinced you can keep church and state separate by changing the definition of marriage to include homosexuals.

Sincerely,

Shana

 

Does the civil union involve what Jen was talking about? Having the right to provide your family with insurance or having the right to see your partner or child in the hospital? I am not going to say I believe you are right or wrong, I am going to say, however that the constitution provides every individual freedom of religion. Any religion can choose whom or what they allow into their religion. Once they are caught up in politics, a religion is no longer a "religion." They lose their tax-exempt status and become something else entirely. That is why they church is so clear to point out every year that the Church does not support or endorse a candidate. Because of this, the chances of anyone being able to sue a church or a bishop or a temple president for not sealing them, is slim to none. This country was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and noone, including the government can dictate what a church does or does not do. I know, I am one of those radical, liberal Mormons, who is few and far between... but I really hope that your ward did not sponsor this outing, or that tithing dollars were not used to rent the bus that was used to go to this protest. But I think that if this is something you feel very strongly about, it is importatnt that you did it. It is important that your children see you getting involved. That is what this country is about. Freedom.

 

I am proud of you Shana! I wish I could have been there to stand next to you. I feel for the homosexual couples who feel they are being snubbed or targeted...I cannot imagine what it is they are going through or feeling. This country, however, was founded on a religious background, a belief in the bible and the word of God. So, while your previous commenters argue a separation in church and state, it is almost impossible to do when the very constitution upon this GREAT country was founded states there is a God.

The church and its beliefs will be persecuted and tested. The constitution will dangle by a thread...we know that and we see it happening. Unfortunately, what that means for us, is we have to be the ones out there fighting for it. So way to go...you've inspired me.

 

Civil Union is all the same rights as marriage, just not the same words! Which I am totally fine with, and did not realize CT did already.

I for a long time now have said I wish there was civil marriage, and marriage [as is now] in the church/ temple. Civil would be any non religious union, wile marriage would stay as is. While I am a believer in right for all, I also feel civil union is enough, our kids are safe and happy, and if I die she gets all my junk [as a stay at home mom, she pretty much gets old stained clothes, and my beloved camera].

As for marriage in the church, we were wed at our LDS church. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we are not the only same sex couple wed in our church. Not sure if "We believe that homosexuality is wrong, plain and simple", need not apply around here.

As for your choice to believe homosexuality is wrong, that is your choice, and I respect that, much as you have stated your respect for my choice. I am fine with beliefs and respect, I only have issues with hate.

Thank You

PS how did you make so many stinkin' cute little boys, and are you aiming to have any more? We were trying for one more, round it out to 10, and surprise, 3rd set of identical twins on the way in the late spring/ early summer!

 

I'm behind you Shana. Thanks for speaking out so bravely.

 

Jen "we still said our vowels before God,"


ya VOWELS! Because if you Vowed in your hearts you still know it's null and void before Him ;)

I'm glad you got to go. too! I loved your Defense post and wanted to copy it becasue it says JUST THE RIGHT THINGS!!! Way to go!

However, I'm an end-of-the-world-alist if there is such thing.

With all the teachings of the second coming we know this is all gonna happen anyways, we can TRY to help, but everything is going downhill.

Heck GE looks like it's gonna go bankrupt GE - of all long standing companies GE.

Even the Banks are going Bankrupt. I just want to be prepared in all ways-Food Spiritually-and financially
It's very hard but that's what I'll be working on.

I know the Second Coming is nye. and I loved the documentary on the myan/aztec calendar how it ends on Dec 21, 2012 and everything else along the wheel of the calendar coinsided with big events such as the Birth Of Jesus, The restoration of the Gospel(http://www.lds.org) And for years growing up (in church)all I ever heard was that "We are the Choice Generation"

I have a friend that speaks with Native americans and their predictions - NATIVE americans - the type Christopher Columbus met - even though Everyone thought HE was the 1st one here. They pridict some huge earthquakes along the Utah, Wasatch Front rendering the water supplys usless for a month at a time(so water storage is vital).

We've seen some mass destruction with hurricanes, fires, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes etc it's just a matter of time. . .and not a lot of time either.

 

I'm proud of my children when they take a stand and get involved, whether or not I agree with them. Go Chris! Go Shana! Go Kathy! Go Devanie! May my loved ones NEVER stand by apathetically, and may we ever support one's right to speak out in defense of her beliefs.

 

Good for you for going. I agree with you and I think you expressed and explained things in a much better way than I ever could.

 

Shana - I so appreciate your candor and confidence. I am glad that you are active in protecting our beliefs and the future of our children. They are so confused. They are bombarded by twisted teachings. Thank you for taking a stand.

As for your commentator Jen - She may claim to be married by an LDS Bishop and been married in an LDS chapel and that Homosexuality is Ok - but she is so mistaken. Has she listened to a General Conference lately? Has she heard the words of our dear prophet? She can pretend she is a member because she knows the church is true but she can't change the doctrine to accept her life of sin. I have homosexual relatives and I love them dearly but I can't approve of the lifestyle neither does the Lord.

 

Wow Shana! Way to go! I like your "in defense" post too. I have read through the document the church published, and it is long but very good. Keep up the good work!