Same Sex Marriage
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is officially opposed to Same Sex Marriage.[1] The Church's stance on this issue is guided by basic principles and teachings of the church.
Principles and Doctrine
LDS teachings declare that "God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife" and further that "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother." [2]
Elder Russell M. Nelson stated the Church's position supporting a constitutional amendment in the following statement on June 5, 2006 in Washington, D.C.:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pleased to be represented in this significant cause. While those of us here today represent a broad spectrum of religious diversity, we are firmly united in our declaration that marriage of a man and a woman is ordained of God. The sanctity of marriage and family constitutes the spiritual undergirding of lasting and successful societies.
Together we share a duty to preserve marriage and family as established by God. The time has now come when a constitutional amendment is needed in this country to protect our divine inheritance. Such action does not reduce our regard for individuals who choose to live by other standards. But it confirms our conviction that marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue and the foundation for eternal exaltation.[3]
History
- In California in 2000, Proposition 22, banning same-sex marriage, was passed by 61% of voting Californians and was openly supported by the Church.
- In Utah, in 2004, Amendment 3 to the state constitution was passed by 66% of those voting.
- In 2006 the Church joined with other religious leaders to show support for an amendment to the US Constitution defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.
- In 2008, the Church joined a coalition to support Proposition 8, which amended the California constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. The law created by Proposition 22 had been overturned by the California Supreme Court.
- In November, 2009, citizens of the State of Maine overturned the state legislature's decision to allow gay marriage. Gay marriage has now lost in every single state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gays had hoped for success in Maine, since New England has been the most liberal region in the U.S. regarding gay marriage. The outcome marked the first time voters had rejected a gay-marriage law enacted by a legislature. When Californians put a stop to same-sex marriage a year ago, it was in response to a court ruling, not legislation. Five other states have legalized gay marriage —starting with Massachusetts in 2004, and followed by Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Iowa — but all did so through legislation or court rulings, not by popular vote. In contrast, constitutional amendments banning gay marriage have been approved in all 30 states where they have been on the ballot.[1]
- Following the Maine referendum, the New York legislature decided to reject a bill legalizing gay marriage. "This is an enormous victory," said Maggie Gallagher, the leader of the anti-gay marriage group, National Organization for Marriage. "What you saw was the will of the people. ... The culture really hasn't shifted on gay marriage."
- New York is one of the most politically liberal states in the country. Recent polls showed a majority of New York voters favor allowing same-sex couples to marry, but one poll showed the public evenly split. [2]
- Washington, D.C.'s City Council voted to allow same-sex marriage in December, 2009. Congress likely will not weigh in on the bill, which usually would require congressional approval. Standing aside keeps the bill from becoming a referendum on gay marriage. Opponents included the [Catholic] Archdiocese of Washington, which said it might have to stop providing adoptions and other services because the law would force it to extend benefits to same-sex couples. [3]
A prophetic speech by late Apostle Neal A. Maxwell, 1978
References
External Links
- The Church's response to gay civil rights legislation in Utah
- A definitive article on same sex marriage
- Gay Marriage, Democracy, and the Courts from Wall Street Journal
- Religious Coalition for Marriage
- Protect Marriage Coalition
- Mormon.org - Homosexuality
- Marriage Matters to Kids
- Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage - An official Latter-day Saint site in support of California Proposition 8 in 2008.
- Judge Walker overturns Prop 8
- Prop 8 appeals will end up in US Supreme Court
