Mormon Church on Prop 8: We Oppose Civil Rights (But Don't Tell)

Harry Truman famously said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

President-Prophet Thomas Monson, the leader of the Mormon Church, clearly does not read history. If he did, he'd know that he and his apostles could not stand behind the stone walls and parapets of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, shoveling cash and lies into California without consequences. The Mormon Church's members have contributed some $22 million into Prop 8, a vicious campaign here in California seeking to strip fundamental marriage rights from same-sex couples, making them permanent second-class citizens.

President-Prophet Monson seems to like "separate but equal," but seems a little touchy when he is called on leading such a campaign. Over the last two weeks, the Courage Campaign Issues Committee has tried to get President-Prophet Monson to stop breaking the Ten Commandments (in this case, number nine, "thou shall not bear false witness") and blackmail. As I wrote last week, the Church has been party to both in countenancing television ads that lie and in allowing a leading Mormon to write letters attempting to blackmail donors to the "No on 8" Campaign.

Joined by Rev. Eric Lee, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of California and backed by 17,000 signers, we tried to deliver a letter to the President-Prophet last week via one of his temples here in Los Angeles asking him to denounce these tactics. We were denied. So we then worked with friends in Salt Lake City -- former Mormons who were kicked out of President-Prophet Monson's Church for being gay -- to deliver the letter to the Mormon Church's Utah headquarters. As the local NBC affiliate, among others, reported, the letter was received.

In the meantime, Dante and David Atkins, brothers and netroots activists, created an ad that shows the effect the Mormon Church seeks to have on people's lives in California which the Courage Campaign Issues Committee is running on CNN and MSNBC in select markets of California on Election Day. You can watch the ad here:

On Daily Kos yesterday, Dante Atkins also provided a smoking gun memo showing that the Mormon Church has planned for more than a decade to hide behind others in its attempt to suppress civil rights.

Finally, after months of hiding, the Church issued a statement about our ad.

The Church has joined a broad-based coalition in defense of traditional marriage. While we feel this is important to all of society, we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue. It is unfortunate that some who oppose this proposition have not given the Church this same courtesy."

Then, late Monday, the Yes on 8 "coalition" -- which is really a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mormon Church with token investors from other right wing outposts -- issued a statement decrying the ad as "bigotry and intolerance." Obviously, President-Prophet Monson got upset that his hands got dirty, so he ordered his minions in California to jump out in front and take a bullet for him. They did and quickly.

The Mormon Church and its very junior partners in California owe all of us an apology. They seek to use the constitution to strip fundamental rights -- in this case of same-sex couples to marry -- away from millions of people. They lie in television ads. They blackmail. And then they invoke their religion to say that they are allowed to lie and hurt people, but not if they are caught.

It's simply too much.

When will President -Prophet Monson and his apostles finally stand for love, diversity and grace rather than hatred, exclusivity and self-righteousness? The Mormon Church, above all others in this nation, should understand the dangers of bigotry. My plea for this Election Day is that the Mormon Church will learn from its errors and lead for equality.

Thirty years ago, the Mormon Church at last decided that it was okay for African Americans to join its priesthood. Maybe, as we see real change in Washington, the Church will understand that it's time now to welcome all people into its vision of America and thereby join America as well.

Comments

[MartinKing]

I am humored by both arguments that Gays want to be "married" and Christians think that "gay marriage" will destroy their marriages. In the late 1800's the Mormon Church condoned, practiced and openly taught plural marriage now usually reffered to as polygamy.
The Federal government decided that "plural marriage" was an affront to American ideals and committed assaults against the Mormons which nearly destroyed their church. Even some of their "Prophets" and "Apostles" were jailed as a result. I find it rather interesting that the usurped power of government which almost destroyed the Mormons in a previous era has now become a tool of the Mormons against the gays today.
Marriage is a covenant between god and man. Biblically one man with several or many wives was condoned by many of the Old Testament prophets. But "Christians" seemingly led the charge against Mormons who practiced Old Testament religion.
If you want to "fix" the problem I propose both the gays and the Christians should spend your efforts together getting government out of the marriage business. Allow your own churches to marry whoever or whatever or how many they please as long as they are consenting adults.
The government is there to allow a level and fair "playing field", so to speak, for all to live their lives as they see fit. Freedom used to be a "Christian" principle for the benefit of all.
What say ye we all return to that philosophy?
Martin

[RB123]

You who think the church is in the wrong are truly misguided. Why is it that a church, which acts as a moral center, cannot take a stance on a moral issue. The only thing I can guess is that you do not understand that this is a moral issue. Traditional marriage is a sign of a healthy society. It is a binding part of goodness and family values. I agree with the coalition which is made up of many churches. I also agree that there is no reason why there cannot be hospital visitation and other such legal rights for gays. Lastly, I personally know Thomas S. Monson and I would challenge you to find a kinder, sweeter man. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ and a witness of his divine mission. Is it at all possible that you are wrong? Is it at all possible that you in your willingness to ignore the will of the people are also not in tune with the will of God? I'm not trying to come down on you, but truth doesn't change over time. Heavenly Father's views of sin don't become more flexible as society becomes more permissive. Just my 2 cents.

[myvoiceofreason]

I think Mormons are very nice people. I am sorry to see this "Mormon bashing" going on. What is this world coming to?

[Mr. Cobb]

It's good that you bigots have been able to stop a civil rights movement in the past. Oops! You've never been able to stop even one. You can't.

[DuchessTD]

Am I the only one who finds the argument (Mormon or otherwise) that Prop 8 passed to ensure children a home with a mother (read female) and father (read male) when California law permits adoption by single parents, GLBT parents, divorce (why not ban that!), death of a spouse (an entirely new potential project!), and allows courts to assign children to single a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even non-blood relative totally absurd? Has the majority simply left logic behind? Hadn't we better focus on education?

[PastelDresses]

50-100,000 POLYGAMISTS in Utah have been stripped of their democratic and human rights for 8 generations and the MORMON CHURCH does NOTHING.

If The HOPE Organization had 1/2 the money Mormons spent on Prop 8 they could transition Warren Jeffs' 10,000 victims into mainstream society.

Rick Jacobs is right, and Mormons need to get their priorities STRAIGHT.

sign up for polygamy updates at: banking on heaven . com.

[povertyofintellect]

I was all for same-sex marriage until reading this article and finding out that they're anti-religion. Acting negatively towards another belief system does NOT make the cause any more appealing at all; in fact, it does just the opposite. What really blew my mind was the fact that one of the protesters today was holding a sign that read, "Go to hell Mormons," and a couple people down the line were holding "End Hate" signs. What hypocrisy!

[PastelDresses]

Many gays are very religious. Don't judge all by one, please.

[sl2850]

"Don't judge all by one?" This comment by PastelDresses is very weak. Instead of giving such a watered-down argument against Povertyofintellect's comment, how about reputiating those that had the banners of the remarks that he quoted. Instead of saying "Don't judge all by one", how about speaking up and saying something like "these people are a bad reflection on the gay community, as intolerant if not more intolerant of any Mormon, and I am ashamed of being gay when I see these two (not just one, and by the way they are two out of hundreds of remarks by gays in recent protests, so it is very misleading and deceptive to say "Don't judge all by ONE ") statements by protesters." That would be the RIGHT kind of response to give to Povertyofintellect, no just ignoring the substance of his comment when it reflects bad on the side you obviously sympathize with.

[stan88]

Marriage is a privilege given be the state. A civil right is a right is assured by the federal government.

All rights are either in the constitution or have been ruled as such by the Supreme Court.

Voting is a right. Owning a gun is a right. Even abortion is a right. Marriage is not a right.

Another right is freedom of speech. A right which "MEMBERS" of the LDS church, other churches and organizations just used to help pass Prop. 8.

The same right that LGBTs have to express their unhappiness about the passage of Prop. 8.

Isn't America a great place to live!

[TopperToo]

Fifth, talk about blackmail, go to http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/20/01429/971 and see how the No"s sought to destroy individuals Yes"s; while you are at it, how about all those boycotted by the GLBT crowd for not endorsing their lifestyle: Coors; Manchester Hyatt; The Grand Del Mar; Bolthouse Farms; Glencoe/McGraw Hill; etc. Sixth, the Atkins' ad is despicable. Anyone who has met an LDS missionary knows that 99.9% are good, selfless and loving; while their 20-something counterparts are mostly pursuing self-centered interests (education, wealth, etc. [all good, don"t get me wrong]) or getting drunk and laid. LDS missionaries teach of Christ, serve others 6 ½ days a week, don"t watch TV or listen to the radio, don"t date, drink, or smoke; and are self-funded. Making them the target of this mean-spirited ad is the lowest. Shame on Dante and David. I"ll leave y"all with a few thoughts on tolerance. The issue in Prop 8 was not tolerance; it was endorsement. Yes"s were tolerant in the face on the No"s vitriolic intolerance. Yes"s chose not to endorse a radical re-definition of marriage. Most people intuitively recognize that if the law endorses everything it tolerates, we will eventually tolerate everything and endorse nothing. The GLBT crowd should respect the will of the people, stop lying about rights being taken away, etc., and enjoy the Domestic Partnerships they lobbied to obtain. Rick Jacobs should stop writing and start reading.

[JohnBisceglia]

I think all of my fellow LGBT Americans are insane.

Do ANY of you have a serious problem with taxation without representation? Or do you really think you DESERVE this legal inequity?

After MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS & MILLIONS of hours, dollars, signs, and street protests - HOW IS THAT WORKING FOR YOU? Not angry enough yet?

One blog reader recently refered to me a "One Note Protest" (OK - points for cleverness), but at least I am able to control the power I DO have, my tax money, and keep it out of the hands of a society whose laws officially hate me. This is not to "amass a great resistance" (but it COULD happen); it is to live as a free man and not be a slave to unconstitutional taxation. You have every right to WAIT 20-30 years for the civil rights you deserve NOW, but don't expect every gay person to wait with you OR be tax compliant.

So heterosexuals - PAY MY TAXES until you change YOUR HATEFUL LAWS!

[Danista]

You're forgetting that it wasn't the government that passed this law. It was the people of California. You're right about taxation without representation, but the people are being represented here. That's the beauty of a democracy, the majority rules. Have we forgotten that? The majority voted to not make gay marriage legal. Would you want to demand the taxation without representation of all of those people who voted for the protection of marriage?

[PlantGod72]

As the LDS (Mormon) Church was instrumental in funding and pushing for this dispicable legislation,
I called their administrative offices today, stating that I was calling for personal reasons regarding the church involvement with Prop 8 in California. The woman said that they had received a number of calls already, and put me through to James Arne(?) who took my call.

I told him in a conversation (mostly a monologue) that lasted 5 minutes or so why I felt the church should NOT have interferred with what is a FAMILY issue, and asked him how he felt about what he and his church had accomplished. Somewhat to my surprise, he responded that he had "mixed feelings" about the action as he has 2 gay members in his own family. I went on to explain how this will impact my life, how his church has conveniently changed its own ideologies in the past to suit mainstream society---i.e. polygamy, blacks in clergy, etc---and how dispicable it is to disrupt and destroy the families of others.

He gave me all the time I wanted, and was very polite. I don't know what impact a conversation like this has, but I had to do SOMETHING to let these people know their actions and prejudices affect REAL people, and REAL families. I suggest you do likewise!

LDS offices: 801-240-2205

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us

[StaticXCC]

As a Unitarian Universalist, I find it extremely offensive of the Mormon Church to push their beliefs on to me thru government while telling me my views are wrong. I will NOT stand any other religion making such an attack on my beliefes. This is exactly what our founding fathers warned us about!

http://www.uua.org/visitors/justicediversity/6252.shtml

[mpyeson8]

well excuse me but i'd like to point out something:
ONLY ABOUT 4% of the Califonian population is momon. Probably less. Prop 8 passed w/ over a 52% majority. WE WERE NOT ALONE.

[Truth789]

Sue Sue Sue! Take away their Tax Exemption!

[MrEguy]

It shall be done :-)

[Stanislaua]

This strikes me as a pitiful "sour-grapes" argument. I would venture to bet that if the Mormon church had instead promoted and made contributions in opposition to the proposition there would be no one calling for the revocation of its 501(c)(3) status. This is so because the statute was not violated.
Furthermore, if you revoke the tax-exempt status of the Mormon church, then you would have to revoke the status of ALL 501(c)(3)'s that contributed money on either side of the argument. That seems to be a pretty radical and ridiculous thought.
If you are so unhappy about the outcome of the choice of the majority of California voters, attack the problem on its merits - don't go for the reactionary ad hominim attacks that accomplish nothing.

[honza3]

Society has an interest in promoting children having a mother and a father. Marriage is the way a Mother and Father are bound together legally with their child. All insitutions have their standards that allow them to perform their function. One of the main purposes of marriage is to give children an opportunity to have a loving mother and father.

All institutions have their standards. Football teams, educational insitutions, the Military. These standards help the institution meet their objectives. Just saying I want in - is no reason to change the standard. Marriage is about providing children with a mother and a father. When a child loses a mother or father through abandonment, or death, we rightly call it a tragedy. Likewise a child never having a Mother or a Father because society decided that 2 men were as good at raising a child as a mother and a father is a tradgedy. Which in the raising of a child is not needed, the mother or the father?

Those who are single and raise good children do an "exceptional" job. Unfortunately too often it is an exception. But on a whole a child missing a mother or a father is more likely to engage in drug addictions, crime, and be poor.

Thank goodness Californian's had enough sense to think of the good of their children.

[psy]

You got a study proving that gay parents have messed up kids, or are you just making that statistic up? Single (1 parent) homes, I can understand if the kids, without any guidance, turn out a little awry in an increased percentage of cases, but why should gender matter if there are two parents?

[sjcm]

This argument that marriage is necessary for the children is complete bull. It's tantamount to saying that if you're not going to consummate your marriage, then it's not valid. Tell that to the many people who are married and don't have children. Or to the elderly couple who just got married.

But what amazes me the most is how they say that gay marriage will corrupt society. Where do they think the gays came from? I can guarantee they came from hetero relationships.

Bottom line is: you can't legislate human nature. and it's part of human nature to have homosexuals. just denying them rights and not wanting to tell your children about them won't make them go away. just like outlawing abortions won't end unwanted pregnancies.

[JudgeMoonbox]

"Thank goodness Californian's had enough sense to think of the good of their children."

IF that was the operating philosophy behind the attempt to deny gay marriages, wouldn't we see similar efforts to keep the violent, the sexually and verbally abusive, the negligent, and probably the frivolous from getting married?

The fact that the distinction here is black and white (within a monogamistic framework, you can't have a "bi" marriage) is hardly the reason Honza3 wants to deny marriage rights to the gay but not those where the threat to the children is palpably greater than the worst nightmares of people like this poster.

Another point: how does it protect the children of gays to keep their parents unmarried? You have this supposition that the BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION calls for one parent of each sex being used to deny the bonds of marriage to couples among the highest percentile in good parenting skills because they're politically incorrect by the poster's standards.

If you want to lie to me, you'll have to work a lot harder at it.

[GenieE]

"Unfortunately too often it is an exception. But on a whole a child missing a mother or a father is more likely to engage in drug addictions, crime, and be poor."

That's completely untrue. Actually Honza3, for years now statistics prove kids do much better in single-parent homes that are happy than in married two-parent heterosexual homes that are unhappy. Now, being that the "values voters" Red States have the highest divorce rates, those people are really not in a position to call themselves better families for kids just because they have both a father and a mother. If you're going to argue your point please refer to statistics, not just your personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Which of course is typical of the anti-science, anti-intellectual, anti-facts conservatives.

[rubberneck]

Mormons didn't defeat this. A majority of californians did. Bravo!

[justmeerin]

A slight majority (so far) of Californian's who were fed compelling lies, fear tactics and misinformation. There is no honor in cheating.

[LAJonathan]

Exactly, it was a McCain/Palin, Rovian campaign....another disgusting group of monsters who flew under the radar this time. Watch out folks, its coming....whether you like it or not.

[Danista]

There were equal amounts of compelling lies, fear tactics and misinformation on both sides. You can't blame your loss on those who raised money to promote something that they deeply believe in.