Proposition 22 and me!

As Proposition 22 becomes more and more publicized, I find myself thinking more and more about it. I have wondered if and how it will affect me and my family. I read something today that really hit me hard and made me rethink my passive role in this issue. Somehow I have thought that I can sit and let others do the work - after all, this is California, not my state.

A couple from my home ward typed up their notes from a mission reunion. Elder Ballard was their mission president. He spoke and then had a question and answer session. From his words, I realize how wrong I have been to think that this issue doesn't affect me and that I shouldn't have to take an active role in supporting Proposition 22.

These are not exact quotes, but notes taken by a great lady:

“Lucifer is lashing out against the human family, as prophesied would occur in the Last Days. We are living in the Last Days. We don’t know when the Lord will come, but we can see evidence of the hand of God in this battle. Satan is attacking in a very visual and open way. Porn and other serious problems are inspired by evil. Now we are in a contest over the very definition relating to the creation of the human family on the earth.

“Proposition 22 was approved in California by 61%, but the judges are trying to throw it out as unconstitutional – they want to allow same-sex couples to marry. The Church doesn’t have battle with those with same-sex attraction – to those we reach out…. But the Law of Chastity is the Law of Chastity. Marriage is a divine institution established by God between man and woman with purpose in bringing forth children to populate the earth and to receive tabernacles (mortal bodies) on earth (he said this all better – I couldn’t write fast enough). The world has been spiraling downward quickly since then (the original vote in California).

“If same-sex marriage becomes accepted in California, it will change the constitution in CA to sustain the judges’ direction, it will be like a sunami and wash across the whole country. We must fortify our lives. As we take unpopular positions, appearing to lack understanding, the Church will be subject to criticism and attacks. Are you ready? It’s not going to get better. You need to fortify yourselves and gather your children and fortify them. Man does not have the right to go against fundamental doctrine from God. He provided an Eve, not an Adam, to go out of the Garden with Adam. This is all that we may have joy and rejoicing in our posterity.

“I thought it was tough to be over the missionary program of the Church. I chair the Church Public Affairs Committee and it is taking all the energy and spiritual strength that they know how to access… Lucifer is committed to destroy the family.....

“Stand. Don’t waffle. The Church will not amend the doctrine to accommodate the world. Our doctrine cannot be changed – we are bound by words and teachings of the prophets of God and of the Savior. Be steady. Be firm. Be sure. Those who want to know the Truth, eventually find us – and ultimately will be able to know and be baptized.


Question: Should Proposition 8 fail, how will the Church deal with same-sex requests for temple marriage?

Elder Ballard: “We don’t know. This will be a real battle. The gay community is saying it is a civil right, but the consequence is loss of religious freedom. A Church speaker could be sued. A doctor within the last 90 days was approached by a lesbian couple who wanted artificial insemination. He said he couldn’t do it for religious reasons, but there were other doctors there who would. They sued him. A photographer in New Mexico was asked by a gay couple to photograph for their wedding. He said he wouldn’t – they sued him and the judge fined him $6,000. Clergy have been sued in Canada for not performing same-sex marriages (yes, our dear maple leaf country has legalized same-sex marriages). The Catholic church in Massachusetts has closed their adoption services there because it is against their religion to adopt out children to same-sex couples and they don’t want to be sued – in Massachusetts it has been legalized. A pamphlet was sent home with a 3rd grader in Massachusetts that had a story about a king who married a king. The parents approached the school board and complained and were told that parents had no say in the school curriculum. We need to realize that religious freedom will be lost if this becomes a civil right. The Founding Fathers said their text was the Holy Bible…. This could end up in the Supreme Court. Even if it does not get legalized in California, this will continue to be an issue. We need to be anchored; solid.”