Gay Rights

This is my blog, and I'll say what I want to.


I support gay marriage.
There, I said it, out loud.

The Church said this, yesterday:
We firmly support the divinely appointed definition of marriage as the union between a man and a woman because it is the single most important institution for strengthening children, families, and society.

I believe that with my whole heart.

So how and why do I support gay marriage, when I also believe what the Church says?
I'm still trying to figure that out.

Here's what I think.
Partners in same-sex relationships should definitely be granted the same rights as spouse in heterosexual marriages.
(This is where I do not know enough about the differences between marriages and civil unions...)
I think anyone should be with who they love (within reason... no animals, please).


Let me put this out there: my dad is gay.
I love my dad. I love his partner. I want them to be happy. Because I love them.
So, I support gay rights.
I support gay marriage.


But, people that think it's just about love, you're wrong.
No one is saying that people shouldn't be with those they love.
It's not about intolerance, either.
No one is saying that they hate gays.
(Well, they are, but shouldn't be, and I won't go into that here...)

I think when politics get involved, lines get blurred and overthought, and things that don't matter somehow end up added into the whole equation.
And it's messy.

I've heard some members of the Church that are upset because if gay marriage is legalized, than perhaps in the US temple marriages will not be recognized as legalized marriage ceremonies any more - meaning that a couple will have to have a civil ceremony, and then get sealed (like they do in other countries, England for example).
I get that that is frustrating.
I also get that we are so close to the end.
The Second Coming.
If that happens, it is probably just another sign.
And members of the Church can deal with having to have a civil ceremony and then a temple sealing. Members of the Church already do that.

Has this post left anyone completely confused about my thoughts?
Probably.
But it still felt good to type out.

I know I am not the only person who is LDS, who struggles with this.
I believe in love, I believe in equality, but I also believe in the Church and it's teachings.
It is a fine line, and is getting even finer.
I know for a fact that the Church will never change their stance on this.
I know that.
I accept that, I support that.


Maybe I am standing on the fence.
Maybe I am damning myself.
Maybe I am not showing my support in either direction.
Maybe others will think that I am being dumb, or unsupportive, or uncaring.

I don't care.
In my heart of hearts I support the LDS faith and it's stance on gay marriage, and marriage in general, for that matter.
And I also support gay rights.
I will continue learning and going forward in faith.
Maybe I will go forward quietly until I learn a little more of myself.
But I will go forward.


By the way, you should read this article:
http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2013/03/9432/#.UT4lr1f6jLl.facebook

Also, this was my friend's status today and I loved:
..... knows she should probably be more politically charged at a time like this, but she is shamefully more concerned at how poorly her NCAA bracket's doing...