Comments on: Examining the Consequences of Prop 8 - Part 1

By: Josi

Josi — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:43:44 +0000

Thank you so very much for the detailed description of what has really gotten people fired up, and how it can truly affect us. It’s my feeling that if people fear their religious rights will be infringed upon, that is the battle they should fight. Rather than take away someone else’s rights, work on protecting your own and spend your $$ in that direction. I think it’s a shame that this issue has become part of Sunday Worship–Gay marriage is nothing compared to the division we’ll create for ourselves by attacking other people’s viewpoints and making against Prop 8 people feel unwanted at church. The Church’s official statement reiterated that each member has the right to make up their own mind, but there has been a lack of that sentiment in the day to day members, and that it a tragedy.

By: Nicole G

Nicole G — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:19:44 +0000

Thank you for the article clearing things up so much. I am sad to see it had little effect on the extremist right of Christianity, but exremists have to justify their views by disregarding anything to the contrary of their views, and accepting all lies, half truths, and fear mongering as all out doctrine.

By: Chino Blanco

Chino Blanco — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:43:32 +0000

I’m currently working on a document titled “Six Consequences for Religious Freedom if Proposition 8 Passes” and am looking for help crafting some pithily worded consequences.

If you’ve got the time or inclination, your input would be greatly appreciated.

By: rob

rob — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:46:34 +0000

If I hear one more thing on (preparation H )
I think i,m going to scream. It’s even a hot topic in my priesthood class.

Sincerely :

Going Mad In St. George UT

By: Cate

Cate — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:57:34 +0000

I just wanted to say thank you for creating this site. You’ve responded to all of the issues very logically and diplomatically, and I’ve found your explanations to be extremely helpful. Thanks again!

By: Diana

Diana — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:08:16 +0000

I really appreciate this posting with the legal information. Sometimes it’s so difficult to get past the ambiguities that both sides spew.

By: Scot

Scot — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:26:06 +0000

Thank you much for disseminating the facts.

By: Kengo Biddles

Kengo Biddles — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:11:45 +0000

This whole issue leaves me conflicted. I’m glad to see this sort of “debunking” come up, because I’ve seen one of the original e-mails, and the fear-mongering, half-truths just make me physically ill.

Thanks for this post!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:05:19 +0000

The consequences listed here are exaggerated, of course. I just want to say that I think it’s a shame that we are wasting so much money on this matter when the millions of dollars that church members have contributed thus far could have been used for much better causes.

By: admin3

admin3 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:56:51 +0000

Hopefully the discussion here has calmed some of your fears, Jenn R. The points of discussion issued by Prop 8 supporters are designed to bring out fears of the unknown. Preying on fears of voters is not very nice, but it is effective in American politics where issues are reduced to sound bites and bullet points. If we take a moment to shed some light on the darkness of fear, though, some of the things that appear to be scary monsters coming out of closets are, in fact, just cold shadows that melt away under the warmth of the sun’s rays.

In the case of lawsuits over marriages, the place where a lesbian couple wanted to marry in New Jersey was not actually inside a church building, or even on church property as Mormons would first imagine. The New Jersey property was much more akin to a public square than a churchyard.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, people can sue anyone for anything, but the important thing to remember is whether the courts will say that the suits are validly brought in the first place. LDS church buildings, and especially temples, are not rented out for public services like the property in New Jersey was, so if someone tried to sue on those same grounds (of public accommodation), they’d have a hard time proving their case in court.

The government doesn’t tell bishops or temple sealers that they must wed any couple who comes to them asking for marital rights.