Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Since my post about the rally up in Hartford a few days ago I have been pummeled with comments and emails that have been a little bit harsh. I've had angry lesbians, disgusted family members and LDS friends slap me on the hands for saying what I did. I feel like I've been totally misunderstood and I feel like I need to defend myself a little bit. First, you should know that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Mormons. We believe that homosexuality is wrong, plain and simple. And as long as I believe in God, I will continue to believe homosexuality is wrong. You cannot convince me otherwise, so please don't waste your time.
Second, due to recent happenings in California and Prop 8, the First Presidency has addressed same-sex marriage specifically. If you want to know where the church stands on the matter you can read this: The Divine Institution of Marriage. Mormons believe marriage should be between a man and a woman only.
Third, because of the First Presidency's message, our Stake did change our meeting schedule so we could attend this rally specifically. We were all urged to be there and to stand up for marriage. There were no church funds used for the trip. We paid for the bus ourselves.
Fourth, Connecticut has already passed the Civil Union law (or whatever it is) for homosexual couples. I am not denying any homosexual health insurance or rights to visit their loved ones in the hospital. They've already got it! I am not a homophobe and I don't have problems with them. If they want to live together and have babies that's not for me to decide nor judge. Like all of you, I also believe they should have their rights.
Unfortunately, in Connecticut homosexuals have not been satisfied with their Civil Unions and they are now seeking to change the CT constitution and the definition of marriage. Currently in CT you can get married if 1) you are both adults, 2) you are not closely related, 3) you are not already married, 4) you are both human and 5) you are of the opposite sex. Homosexuals obviously want #5 changed. I'm not certain what they will gain by doing so or what their motives are but, they want it nonetheless. My concern is that once you change #5 everyone and their dog is going to want a change. Polygamists are going to want #3 changed. And Pedophiles are going to want #1 changed. And then some guy that really loves his dog is going to want #4 changed. And then some brother who really, truly loves his sister is going to want #2 changed. The LDS church is very strong on this issue. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman only. And the rally on Sunday was in support of this only. Not denying homosexual rights. Not hating on homosexuals. Only in support of a constitutional convention which would possibly allow us to vote on the matter of how marriage should be defined in the CT constitution.
You know, it wasn't that long ago that us Mormons were practicing a way of life that America told us was unacceptable. And we accepted it and moved on. I honestly think homosexuals need to do the same. They need to take their civil unions and be happy. They've been given much more tolerance and freedom than we ever were. Why do we need to change the definition of marriage for them? And if we do, then what? The possible consequences are frightening to me. You can read about some of the possible consequences here: When Gay Rights and Religious Liberties Clash
I hate this feeling. I am definitely a lover, not a fighter. I feel guilty when I kill a spider. I don't wish any ill on anyone. I want homosexuals to be happy and enjoy the same freedoms I do. Unfortunately, it seems that even the people who know me best are convinced my motives are hateful and hurtful. I am not rallying against civil unions. I'm not denying anyone their rights. I'm not rallying against homosexuals. All I'm trying to do is keep the definition of marriage in the CT constitution the way it's been defined for the past 200 years and the way God has defined it for millenia. That's all. Hate me if you will, I will not stand down on this one.
There. I've said my piece. I think I feel better. I will say no more on the matter and I would prefer you who are hating on me now do the same. Voice your opinion on the November 4th ballot.
posted by Shana # 10:17 PM 
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