How To Bury a Castle: love conquered h8.... at a state level

I'm very happy about Prop 8 being overturned by Judge Walker. I really hope that the stay is lifted soon and gay and lesbian couples can finally express their love again in California. However, I am far more interested in how this ruling may change things for those of us outside of California. Because both the proponents and opponents of Prop 8 have vowed to appeal regardless of the decision made at any level, I have a lot of faith that ultimately this case will be heard by the U.S. supreme court, regardless of how the District Court rules. If the U.S. Supreme court rules that prop 8 is in fact unconstitutional, than it will mean it is unconstitutional for gays to be denied a marriage license in any state. That includes Utah, and other states where a religious majority or other factor would ultimately prevent marriage equality for many years to come. I have faith that the LDS church, as well as many of the other religions who backed prop 8 so strongly will probably ultimately soften on the issue and that eventually gay marriage would be legalised here anyways, But this would definitely Accelerate the process.

I am sure that many people would disagree with me saying that I think the LDS Church will eventually soften on the issue of gay marriage (and gays in general), but one look into the history will show you they have softened on many other issues, as most of Christianity has. It was not that long ago that Gays were undergoing shock therapy at BYU for their sexual orientation, and even the ban on "celibate" gays was only lifted a few years ago.

Another aspect of this debate that many Mormons seem to forget about is the LDS church's historical view on Inter-racial marriage. Let me start out by saying that I am not in any way trying to compare the gay rights movement to the civil rights movement of the past. What I am comparing, is that the LDS church changes its views, even on the topic of marriage equality.

"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God is death on the spot. This will always be so. The Nations of the earth have transgressed every law that God has given, they have changed the ordinances and broken every covenant made with the fathers, and they are like a hungry man that dreameth that he eateth, and he awaketh and behond he is empty" Journal of Discourses 10:109 P.110, Brigham Young, March 8, 1863

These are words spoken by the then prophet, Brigham Young, at General Conference. The LDS church's views have obviously changed on this subject. I am not trying to accuse current LDS members of racism. I have some very good friends who are still LDS, and I know more than one who believes gay marriage should be legal. I also have no doubt that most of them believe I was born with my sexual orientation, and that they love me unconditionally. The views of the members of a church do not have to reflect the views of the leadership, and vice versa. Catholics still sometimes prevent marriages within their churches when they fear they can not be consummated (if the man is paralysed), but I am sure there are many members who disagree with this practice. One look into the past of catholic church will show that they have caused enormous amounts of damage by speaking on topics that they obviously know little to nothing about.

So to be completely honest, I really do think that eventually, these churches will soften to the idea of Marriage equality. I also have very little doubt that the LDS church will do it much quicker than the Catholics. This case, however could jump start that process. Essentially, we may have marriage equality now, and approval from religion later, instead of letting the moral disapproval of religion decide who we can marry right now, and gaining marriage equality with their acceptance later. The same way that Marriage equality was achieved for inter-racial couples. Because lets face it- there is no legitimate secular reason to deny gays the right to marry. The ads which got prop 8 passed in the first place, were based on lies, and meant to scare people. These ads were made by the National Organization for Marriage. NOM is backed and funded mostly by religion, specifically the LDS and Catholic churches and their members. Much of the campaigning was done by religious individuals, who want to impose their own private moral standards upon other individuals, while showing no compelling evidence for doing so. I don't think, however, they anticipated just how tired so many of us are of being trampled upon. We stood up, and with love and truth, conquered H8. We sure as hell haven't won the war, but we one the first battle, and we did so with honour and integrity, something noticeably lacking over at NOM.

I will not go any further with my thoughts on this issue, as it's getting late and I'm sure what I've written already is very fragmented and confusing anyway. However, I'd like to leave you readers with some pictures from our Decision Day celebration Rally at the Capitol (which was attended by roughly 600 people on a few hours notice. We marched around Temple square after hearing some amazing speakers. You'll notice that the Temple gates are closed. The Church office buildings looked like a ghost town as well. There were people peaking at us from inside the temple grounds and buildings, and it just made me smile. I hope that they are all safe, are well, and are happy. I wish no harm against them, and I am amused at their over-reaction to our little march. I hope that, peeking out at us, they saw 600 people with hearts full of love, who are banding together in the hopes that they, or their GLBT friends and family may receive the same relationship validation as straights. Because that is all we were.

To all of you that took part in, wanted to take part in, or supported this rally, Please feel free to use the pictures below for your facebooks and blogs. Just link back here (and let me know so I can add you on FB or view your blog!), and I won't have any issue with it as long as they are non-commercial uses!