Last night a special fireside was broadcast to all the members in California regarding marriage. What an inspiring evening it was. Elder Ballard shared his thoughts and the thoughts of the brethren on the sacred institution of marriage. That marriage is ordained by God and is between a man and a woman. And how the family is central to God's plan. He discussed the proclamation of the family and how important it is for we as members to stand up in this moral debate. Elder Cook and Brother Clayton then shared with us the issues of Prop 8 and what is being done through the Protect Marriage Coalition to inform Californians of this proposition.
Basically- Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman.
Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code § 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Proposition 8 WILL NOT change this.
YES on Proposition 8 does three simple things:
It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.
It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.
It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage.
They are saying that this is the largest grassroots campaign ever assembled in the U.S. I know so many people making phone calls and door to door contacts to help get the real issues of Prop 8 out (something I hope to help out with soon). Last night was a call to action. They are asking for as much help as possible from the members and people of California. It's amazing the organization that is behind these efforts, it was so inspiring. They are asking the young single adults and young married couples to really push the protect marriage efforts. To actually see these young people out there sharing what they believe was amazing.(they showed a little video last night of all the efforts the YSA were making) This is something I really want to do, but at the same time so afraid of. I'm not one to get in the middle of things but more like cheering on the sidelines, but last night gave me some encouragement & strength and I know the rest will come with the help of my Heavenly Father and in my own efforts. Can you believe this is actually happening. Times are definitely changing and the question is are we ready. Are we ready to step up? I pray that I am. So my friends (roommies) I think we could use your prayers.
protectmarriage.com
PS And Lin you would be very proud of me. I remembered back to our days of ballroom and that jazz class you helped me in and added a little bit of Tango. After that great fireside we got invited to learn the tango. I wasn't too excited about it, but Eric persuaded me sort of as well as my roommate and I had a really great time. And according to Eric I didn't do too bad. ;)
4 comments:
I would have loved to have been there to see you tango--isn't that the dance of LOVE??? How about an update on Eric? You should have had them play "Rockin' Robin" to show off your dancing skills!! Love ya!!
I too have always been more comfortable to sit on the sidelines and be "safe," but I think it is no accident that we are finding the courage--it must be important, and we must be growing up! Way to go! Our stake has been asked to volunteer too, since many stakes in CA need help. I keep imagining my child learning all about it and then wondering why he doesn't like men, and then wondering if he should--how confusing! (And that's only one small part of it!)
so it's interesting the impact this proposition is having. i know it's important--our stake is participating with several others in utah to make phone calls to california residents. i thought i was removed from the action, but it looks like there is a lot we can do too, even from utah.
Hey sis, I really liked all the info you put into this Prop 8 post. It looks like you are definitely getting more prepared to be involved and I know you will do great. I love you!
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