Listen to this articleAffirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons
“The church which preaches that family is to be valued above all else has squandered millions of dollars to tear our families apart. The church that declares as one of its Articles of Faith that all people should be allowed to “worship how, where, and what they may,” has attempted to impose its beliefs upon all of the citizenry of California .”
– Assistant Executive Director George Cole
“Marriage equality will be a fact of life in this country. While no church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institution will be required to recognize any marriage that it chooses not to accept, many congregations have already chosen to recognize marriage equality. More and more people have come to understand that being gay or being heterosexual is biological, much like blue eyes; it is determined before birth, it is the way God created each of us, and it is to be celebrated.”
– Executive Director David Melson
Equality Utah
“Our hearts go out to the loving families in California who will have to wait a little longer for equal protection under the law. Every day that gay and lesbian couples are denied the protections of marriage is an injustice. But every day more voters across the country see that injustice and realize that marriage will only be protected when committed couples are able to take care of each other.”
The LDS Church
“Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court is welcome. …The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes the deeply held feelings on both sides, but strongly affirms its belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman. The bedrock institution of marriage between a man and a woman has profound implications for our society. These implications range from what our children are taught in schools to individual and collective freedom of religious expression and practice.
“Accordingly, the Church stands firmly for what it believes is right for the health and well-being of society as a whole. In doing so, it once again affirms that all of us are children of God, and all deserve to be treated with respect. The Church believes that serious discussion of these issues is not helped when extreme elements on both sides of the debate demonize the other. “
Marriage Law Foundation
“It protects not only the idea of marriage, but also the rule of law. People can use existing law to make public policy without judges overturning the people’s decision for no other reason than they disagreed with the people’s judgment.”
– Bill Duncan, Director
Utahns for Marriage Equality
“It’s disappointing. It’s a hollow victory is what it is. The 18,000 marriages that were legal at the time were upheld, but it’s very disappointing because the whole idea of marriage equality is that everyone becomes equal at the same time. … One of my personal heroes is Abraham Lincoln, and one of his quotes is that you need to change people’s hearts before you change their minds. And that is the kind of campaign we’re going to run.”
– Michael Mueller, Director (as quoted on KSL 5 News)
Utah Pride Center
“It’s a painful bump in the road, but it is just a bump in the road. And as we look forward, I encourage people here in Utah tonight to show that we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in California.”
– Marina Gomberg, Development Director (as quoted on KSL 5 News)
