It is my personal belief that the government needs to get its nose out of the marrying business. It is none of their business who marries whom or what is going on in people’s bedrooms. If you can find a person to marry you, then that should be enough.

I am tired of the villification going on regarding this issue. Is it any surprise to anyone that churches founded on the principles held within the Bible would find it a sin for people to be in non-traditional relationships? It’s in their doctrine. It’s also wrong to single out one church over all others that join in attempting to preserve this principle found in basic beliefs?

It is not bigotry to love the sinner while hating the sin. It is however a huge concern for the government to be sticking its proverbial nose into matters it doesn’t belong in. This is a principle the Founding Fathers believed in. They wanted to preserve the sanctity of people to preserve their religion and its doctrines which is why we have the first Amendment. Which by the way in no way states a “separation of Church and State”. That’s in the Federalist Papers and it spoke of erecting a wall between the two so as to protect the Church from the State. Hmmmm. Interesting.

In a case such as this, it is a dangerous and slippery slope to legalize marriage between members of the same sex. Why? Because the MANY Churches, not just the LDS church, which believe that this is a sin can get in huge legal trouble if refusing to allow it. It lets the state in to make things difficult for people to practice their own religion. They can levy hefty fines, remove tax shelters, and many other things that would make it very hard for a Church to keep its doors open. This goes for Baptists, Methodists, Lutheran, 7th Day Adventists, Catholics – every Church on every street corner. And yes, Mormons, too.

Is it any wonder that so many Churches came together on this to encourage their various members to unite as one, regardless of denomination?

In a country where freedom of religion is sacrosanct, but so is our right to free speech, is there anything wrong with a group of people PEACEFULLY demonstrating their free speech by voting for something they believe in? No.

This is the second time this law has been passed in California. The same way. Does that truly surprise people? The only reason it got overturned in the first place was a court decision. The courts cannot control how a group of people feel. So where is the surprise when this measure passed for a second time?

At least in California gay couples can get a civil union which I cannot for the life of me tell what the difference is between that and marriage. Other than in a marriage you have some bloke saying that God blesses your marriage as well as the state.

Once more, if you believe in a deity, find yourself a church that will marry you. You should be good to go. Tell the state to butt the heck out of where it does not belong.

I’m so sorry, but after reading several lengthy blog posts and watching footage of the insanity going on in California, I wanted to voice my opinion. There has been nothing but ugliness on the part of one side of this battle, and it’s not the “winning” side. How anyone has “won”, I’ll never tell. All I know is when there are SWAT members scouring the grounds of a religious building to protect the building and the people for whom the building belongs – there is a huge problem. I mean a HUGE problem. Teams of SWAT should never have to be called in to protect someone’s religious freedom.

Then again, religious freedom has always been questionable in this nation built upon that very principle. We probably shouldn’t pull out the history books here. Too bad we aren’t more enlightened today.

Oh and for people who care, after my signature I’m going to paste in two press releases from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I’d like to also remind you that the definition of a “cult” is a group of people with similar beliefs. Therefor the GLBT community is just as much a cult as any particular church. Before you go throwing around the word cult, you should really make sure you are using it properly. It is not negative in any way. And yes, this means Democrats as well as Republicans are just as much a cult as anything else. Now, go drink your red Kool-aid and simmer yourself down. It’s OK to express your opinions, but you do not need to be hateful.

Thank you
–Lady O

P.S. I think everyone should write to every one of their elected officials and tell them they don’t belong in the marrying business. Let each church determine that. I know there are those that accept people from the GLBT community, therefor said people can marry there. Remember, the “state” only has the powers we give unto it. It is our duty to reign in the government when needs be.

Side Note: Disagree with me if you like. However any flames will be deleted. Now read these press releases that are so easily found on the website of those being turned into villains. They sure look like they are twirling their proverbial mustaches, don’t they?

____________________________________-

Statement 1:
SALT LAKE CITY 7 November 2008 The Church issued the following statement today:

It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.

Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States — that of free expression and voting.

While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process.

Once again, we call on those involved in the debate over same-sex marriage to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other. No one on either side of the question should be vilified, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
Link: http://ping.fm/og2jW

Statement 2:
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.

Link: http://ping.fm/a769x