I do not live in California. But I live in Massachusetts; it is where I was born and raised. And I am proud of the position of my state regarding homosexual marriage.
Mormons for Marriage is a website, written by a group of members of the LDS church outlining ways in which supporting marriage for all couples - homosexual or heterosexual - can still be in harmony with the LDS church's teachings. If you haven't gotten a chance to see it already, I would suggest browsing around to see what these thoughtful people have to say.
There are many different reasons I choose to support my homosexual brothers and sisters in this this way, but I would say that the main one is that I see no compelling argument as to why these rights/privileges (i.e. to see their sweetheart one in the hospital; to adopt a child together, with their loved one; to call their union "marriage" when that is effectively what it is) should NOT be extended to heterosexual unions. I could go through the LDS newsroom article point by point and outline the ways that I disagree, the ways that I think it uses biased sources, and so forth, but I do not really want to get into that. If anyone is really interested, I will. I would much rather focus on the good that all people share, the ways that we stand on common ground, instead of the things that we find distasteful in one another.
I truly love about this religion in terms of principles, doctrine, and culture. Similarly, there is much I struggle with, including the formal position by the church's leaders on this issue (it would actually probably be fair to say I struggle with a majority of the teachings, and it would be dishonest to claim otherwise). However, I cling to core principles of Christlike love, the value of each individual soul, and the idea that we are continually progressing, moving from grace to grace.
I love the idea of divine potential within each of us. I love the countless opportunities to share experiences, to serve one another, and to receive love from others in the form of service.
It is with those ideals in mind that I support gay marriage.
I will obviously not be telling anyone how to vote. But for friends and strangers in California faced with this ballot initiative in a few weeks, I would urge you to charitably look inside yourself, consider different perspectives, and TRULY examine this question before you cast your vote.
3 comments:
Thanks for the insight and perspective from a truly unique mind. It's been a close and scary race on Prop 8 out here, but we are still fighting hard! Just tell those crazies in Utah to calm the f down. :)
This is a very thoughtful essay. Why yes, I did call it that. It's because you sat down and composed this very clever piece of writing. Don't stop surprising me, bub.
That should read "I see no compelling argument as to why these rights/privileges (i.e. to see their sweetheart one in the hospital; to adopt a child together, with their loved one; to call their union "marriage" when that is effectively what it is) should NOT be extended to homosexual unions."
Thanks to my bro.
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