Protect Marriage

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it..." - Genesis 1:27-28

Thanks to those who passed California Proposition 8, Arizona Proposition 102, and Florida Amendment 2 on November 5, 2008, which define 'marriage' under state law as the traditional union of a man and woman exclusively. Several lawsuits were filed before the California Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, but on May 26, 2009, the court upheld the will of the California voters. While Proposition 8 passed by a margin of 52 to 48 percent, a 2009 national Gallop poll found that Americans oppose legalizing same-sex marriage by a margin of 57 to 40 percent. However, on August 5, 2010 a California judge ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional despite the will of California voters. The matter is to be appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and may eventually come before the United States Supreme Court.

It appears we have avoided a disaster:
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law - to do your business by the voice of the people. And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land." Mosiah 29:26-27.

We all know of those who are tempted by homosexuality - as others are tempted by alcohol, gambling, or adultery. Each of us is uniquely tempted in different ways to break God's commandments. Our love and encouragement are extended to all who are so tempted. Nevertheless, it is by our obedience to God that we are blessed, not by attempting to justify ourselves when we succumb to temptation, or by attempting to redefine the laws of morality. There is no sin in temptation, only in immoral acts. Our Savior was a role model for common sense when He prayed unto the Father, "...lead us not into temptation,..." (Matthew 6:13) Therefore, alcoholics would be wise and righteous to make extra efforts to avoid all bars, and those who are tempted by homosexuality would be wise and righteous to make special efforts to avoid all places that subject them to this kind of temptation. God's morality is not relative; it is eternal, and cannot change.

We commend Miss California Carrie Prejean for courageously endorsing traditional marriage at the recent Miss USA pageant. She and many others believe her response to the related question cost her the crown, making her the first runner-up. She was also later fired as Miss California by an officiator who was offended by her answer.

Carrie's detractors have also attempted to discredit her character by publicizing the indiscretions of her younger days. But as a repentant Christian, she acknowledges her mistakes, and she apologizes. It's sad that so many continue to malign her character by publishing trashy articles about her, even after her apologies. Nevertheless, Carrie feels privileged to serve God by proclaiming her belief in Jesus Christ and her unwavering support of traditional marriage. May her example be a light to all who boldly stand by their righteous convictions in the face of persecution.

“Am I anti-gay? No,” she told Radar On Line. “My message is that I love everyone. But the bible is pretty black and white about homosexuality [being] a sin. As a Christian, that’s what I believe.”

See the television spot from the National Organization for Marriage: www.nationformarriage.org.

We congratulate Carrie on her engagement to Kyle Boller, NFL quarterback for the St. Louis Rams. They were engaged Saturday, February 6, 2010. http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/carrie-prejean-engaged-to-kyle-boller .
They were married at the Grand Del Mar Hotel in San Diego, California on Friday July 2, 2010. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/07/04/2010-07-04_carrie_prejean_a...

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." - Genesis 2:24

The family is clearly under attack today. We must find every opportunity to protect it with traditional values. We must encourage and show appreciation to all who give support to the family, regardless of their political views. Bill O'Reilly recently wrote an article siting the remarks of President Obama. It is well worth reading: http://www.parade.com/news/2009/08/09-what-obama-can-teach-americas-kids...
However, Obama does not seem decisive about his definition of marriage. See: http://article.nationalreview.com/437321/obama-on-marriage-bigot-or-liar...

And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man" - D&C 49:15

"...The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ ... We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets..." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World
- Gordon B. Hinckley