Even though I was a Political Science major, I have tried to keep my political views off of this blog. However, last night I saw a man on CNN critize (falsely I might add) what I, as a Latter-Day Saint believe. Throughout my studies at BYU, I learned that people have a wide variety of political views and opinions. I recognize that not everyone has to agree with me. In fact, I respect those who still voice their own opinions. I can easily see how many in California are upset at this time. I'm not saying they can't be upset. I even think it is their right to hold rallies and protests outside whatever building they chooose. I do, however, have to draw the line when opinion turns to false accusations. Why are people who voted no on Prop 8 only targeting the LDS church and criticizing it for expressing our beliefs (like they are doing)? I found the following information.
1. Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California. There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.
2. Mormon voters were less than 5% of the yes vote.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.
(The man on CNN stated that a letter was read from every Temple stating we were obligated to give our money) 4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign.
5. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.
6. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).
7. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims - all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California. Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.
8. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or herself. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.
9. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. " The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that Churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church as always been very careful on this matter and occasionally chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.
10. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do - we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.
I want to conclude my rant by saying, we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, are used to being singled out and persecuted. Bring it on!
