Friday, November 14, 2008

Freedom to vote

I am not from California, but I can't help but comment on what is happening there recently...
In the recent vote California also voted on "proposition 8" regarding marriage...proposition that amended the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. 52% of voters said yes, making same-sex marriage illigal in the state of California.

Here is my personal belief. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, I believe that marriage is a sacred union of a man and a woman. I don't agree with same-sex unions, but I don't hate those that choose to live that way.

After the vote, it should be done. However, it is not. There have been protests and even acts of vandalism, most of which have been targeted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Most recently the Los Angeles temple was targeted and subsequently closed for most of Thursday.
The Church has released a statement regarding recent events. Also of interest to me was the statements released by Catholic bishops in Sacramento and Salt Lake. I particularly liked the following statement

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.” Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

I do not wish to offend others with this post, however, I do wish all of you to know my belief on this issue. We need to stand up for what we believe when called upon to do so, then when the time has passed accept the consequences gracefully.

2 comments:

Kate said...

It really is SAD what is going on here. I can't believe it has gotten to the point of "No on Prop 8" supporters vandalizing churches. Disappointing...

Diana said...

I totally agree with you. We haven't heard much even with us being so close to Cali but I would hope that people would practice what they preach. In a perfect world maybe... As for Oregon a similar law was passed and things here seem fine.