Backlash from the passage of California’s Proposition 8 has been widespread, aggressive, and, in some cases, deplorable. And it may be just the beginning. People have been protesting nationwide in front of government buildings and religious sites, and even inside churches.
How should one who supports traditional marriage react to all this? Here are a few questions and my answers. Let me know what you think.
1. Should I be worried about all these protests?
No, as long as they remain peaceful. Last Friday night, I was in downtown Salt Lake and stopped by to see the gay rights protest in front of the Church Office Building. I saw thousands of people chanting, yelling, waving signs and rainbow flags, and people in cars driving by honking their horns in support of the protest. My favorite sign was one that read, “Keep your doctrine out of my covenants.” Very creative. For the most part, the protesters were peaceful. They weren’t vandalizing property or harassing passersby, at least at that protest.
Same-sex marriage supporters have a right to protest, just as traditional marriage supporters, including the Church, had a right to speak out in support of Proposition 8. As long as they abide by the law, let them protest. Let them boycott Utah, businesses, and anything else they want to. Just hope they don’t cross the line of civility. As the Church has stated:
Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.”
Though activists have a right protest as they are doing now, I do think it’s unwise.
The gay rights movement has quietly, but in a very calculated manner, been advancing its agenda throughout the U.S. This sudden tantrum-like outburst may set it back. It may awaken the sleeping giant of the mostly heretofore silent majority of traditional marriage supporters. It may motivate them to coalesce and push back, maybe even hard enough to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Gay rights activists would be wise, for their own benefit, to return to their homes and focus on pushing their agenda through the courts and the media. This way, they can very gradually help change our legal structure and win over the hearts of the American people without us noticing or fearing their subtle progress (Hint: we shouldn’t let them do this).
2. Can the Church speak out on political issues like this?
Without a doubt, unequivocally, yes. At least for now. All non-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), including religious ones, have the right to speak out on any political issue provided that they don’t support any particular party or candidate. Given that the Church has maintained its tax-exempt status until now is pretty good evidence that its 501(c)(3) status is not in jeopardy.
3. How should I respond to the backlash?
With love, just as Christ would. We should stand firm and seek to preserve and encourage traditional marriage through legitimate democratic processes, but we should do it with respect, decency, and civility. When there are attacks on us, the Church, or other people or institutions we hold dear, we should “turn the other cheek” and press forward with faith and charity. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and…is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in inquity but rejoiceth in the truth…charity never faileth” (Moroni 7:45-47).
What do you think?
