Anti-Mormon Sentiment in the wake of Prop 8

[abbyquack]

Ok so I just need to vent somewhere b/c I'm super annoyed...I am Mormon, but a staunch believer in gay rights. I have risked relationships with Mormon family and friends because I have stood up time and time again for gay marriage and the like. I find Proposition 8 to be absolutely deplorable and I cried when it passed. So in case you didn't know, I desire nothing more than having equality for all human beings.

Of course this doesn't go over well because my church had one of the most influential involvements in the Yes on 8 campaign, and now they're getting tons of flack for doing so. People are protesting at our temples, they're now trying to boycott the Sundance Film Festival (which is ridiculous b/c that film festival is about as anti-mormon as you can get in utah!), allegedly leaving packages of white powdery substances on church property (pretend anthrax to threaten us or something) etc.

Naturally, I don't blame the gay community for being angry at the Mormons - even I'm angry at my own religion- if I didn't truly believe in my religion (except for their stance on homosexuality and maybe a couple minor things besides), I would have repealed my membership stat! But it is what my conscience believes and even though I am not a typical straight lace Mormon, I find a lot of joy in my church for the most part. But I feel like I'm being targeted when in fact I am doing everything in my power to change feelings in Utah about homosexuality. Every opportunity I get I use it to inform people about gay rights and how it is not going to endanger anyone's religion. But events like this totally re-enforce the Mormons' stereotypes on gays. They're just being proved right. I feel like all my hard work is being undone because of the protests and stuff.

No one can change the fact that proposition 8 passed. No one can go back and fix it, even if the Mormon church apologized and said "we were wrong, we're sorry", it wouldn't change what's happened. I think we need to look toward the future and see how we can get change in the next few years. Connecticut and Massachusetts and Canada have gay marriage- obviously the world hasn't ended there- and I know it can happen in California and the rest of the U.S. But these protests that target one group - my religion- are scary. I worry about my family, even though they live in Wash DC, I think what if someone takes out their anger on them? What if someone discriminates against them b/c they're Mormon? My family did NOT support the church in this effort either. I worry that something will happen at my college (which is like 97% mormon!) - and while I think most of the kids that go there are douche bags, I know of 100s of them that are so amazing and open-minded and loving towards gays. Heck I know plenty of gay kids there too!

This is not to say the Mormon church should get away scotch-free for their participation (maybe their tax-exempt status SHOULD be taken away, idk & idc), but I don't like feeling endangered when me and my husband are so passionate about harboring tolerance and acceptance of gays and lesbians. Also what about the other minorities that ultimately voted yes on prop 8? They had a choice and they used it. They could've been influenced, but they had an option to believe what they were told or not.

Ugh I'm done ranting and raving. Any thoughts?

 

[sharkbytes]

Well, to be blunt, I do think there's a problem when a church (of ANY kind, not just the Church of Latter Day Saints) takes it upon themselves to get involved with politics. There's separation of church and state in the United States for a reason, and legislating based on what one group perceives to be "morality" can and will cause major problems.

I have no problem with boycotting Sundance, protesting peacefully against prop 8, and fighting for civil rights. I do think it goes too far though to threaten anyone with violence. By now, it should be universally agreed that violence never solves anything and only serves to create more unrest.

It would have been an entirely different scenario if the church had merely made a statement in favor of Prop 8, rather than raising funds and avidly campaigning. So there's definitely wrong on both sides here.

 

[xxManBeaterxx]

Mormons understand a little bit about getting picked on for being different. But now the victims seem to have turned into the aggressors - and over, of all things, an alternative definition of marriage.

 

[xsnowwhite]

I'm confused about how this whole thing turned into just the Mornon's fault.

 

[xxManBeaterxx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsnowwhite I'm confused about how this whole thing turned into just the Mornon's fault.

Its not just the mormons fault, but i think many are putting a huge blame on them because they were the largest contributers for prop 8, the mormon churches funded around 70% of the millions upon millions of dollars needed to help pass the bill... Err mormons get a bad rep.. its unfair for the media to be targeting mainly them.

 

[*Stargazer*]

Not only did the Church pour money into funding Prop 8 support, they produced very nasty commercials that LIED about what Prop 8 would mean. They told people things like their kindergartners would be learning sex ed if they didn't pass Prop 8. So yeah, I have lost all respect for the Mormon Church. I feel the same way about all of the big name contributors for Prop 8. I will personally never support the Knights of Columbus in any fundraising efforts, nor will I ever give a penny to any one on this list:
Californians Against Hate - Fighting for marriage equality - Proposition 8

I don't feel that way about individual Mormons, but that's because I know many opposed Prop 8.

 

[TISH1124]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsnowwhite I'm confused about how this whole thing turned into just the Mornon's fault.

I was right there with you...Even though I am for adults of any race, greed, religion or sexual preference having all the same rights and privileges without government interference...At the end of the day doesn't the blame go on the the majority of the voters who voted for the bill?
I guess I am just as confused because I have not followed this closely enough.

 

[SkylarV217]

Religious institutions can take a stand on political issues, they just can't back a particular party in order to retain tax exempt status. Personally I don't think its a problem for religious institutions to take a stand on such things b/c it's kind of the point. I do however think that no one outside of a particular institution is going to be swayed by their stance so its all about being a part of it in the first place. What people need to realize is that they "leaders" that choose these stances DON'T speak for all of the membership.

People are entitled to their beliefs no mater what they may be for or against.

I am sorry that people are taking it out on your church or temple b/c of that , I know there are SEVERAL religions that are against gay marriage not just the latter day saints.

 

[Esme]

Seperation of Church and State is to keep politicians from using religion. I don't believe it means churches are not allowed to take a political stand. I am not in the states right now (more's the pity) and this is the first I have heard about Mormon involvement in this issue, so I don't have much of an opinion on it. I do think it is a stinking shame about the way gay people are treated in the US, especially after seeing the way it is handled here in Australia (much better).

 

[Mabelle]

I'm not all that surprised at what is happening. I don't agree with it (by any means), but really, there rights are being taken away. If i were gay, and had my right to marry taken away i would be furious. If i found out that a specific institution was donating SO mcuh money to prop 8 and trying so hard to pass a bill that discriminates, i don't know what i would do. I certainly hope i would have better judgment than leaving sacks of "anthrax" outside churches.

I'm not a religious person, infact, i very much dislike organized religon. I'm sorry that you feel threatened, and that you're worried about you're family. Thank you for trying to spread love and acceptance. There aren't enough people like you out there. Most keep quiet. Who knows how many minds you will change.

 

[Willa]

I'm sad not to be 100% able to express myself in english to tell my opinion on this point. But let's just say that sometimes I feel we're going back to 1910...

Instead of moving forward and facing the thruth, some people prefer to live in lie and fear.

I guess it was easy to target this church for the medias, but I can't say much on this because I am a 100% non-believer and I frankly don't know much on religions except the fact that sometimes they tend to make situations regress.

I wanna say that I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings with this, believe me

 

[abbyquack]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. As I mentioned in my post I am saddened with my leaders for getting involved and I can't blame people for being mad or even protesting. And yes mormons of all people should know how it feels to have their own idea of alternative marriage be persecuted. In fact I read online a statement from the lds church from 1947 in which they said inter racial marriage was not doctrinally feasible and thus against the church! How things have changed! It is no wonder my grandma is still a closet bigot because she was raised to think that way. No doubt she and many old people still hold sentiments that prevent minorities from equality. So honestly I don't feel bad for the Mormon church but I do oppose to the boycott of sundance. The film festival as 0% to do with mormons. In fact most mormons dislike the film festival bc its a huge party that doesn't at all reflect their morals. And even though Utah is roughly 60% Mormon, park city (where sundance is held) is maybe 20% Mormon, if that. The vendors like hotels restaurants and theaters are primarily non Mormon establishments. The filmmakers directors producers screenwriters and other industry ppl that come to show their films are not UT based nor are they Mormon. So then who is hurt? Not the mormons, most of which will stay far from park city. Not to mention 40% of Utah residents that if they are affected are targeted simply because they live amongst mormons. So basically boycotting the ff does nothing to hurt the church just innocent bystanders that are guilty by association. And it hurts Robert Redford who isn't Mormon! Well maybe if ppl boycott sundance that will mean better tickets for me! Lol.

 

[sharkbytes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyquack So honestly I don't feel bad for the Mormon church but I do oppose to the boycott of sundance. The film festival as 0% to do with mormons. In fact most mormons dislike the film festival bc its a huge party that doesn't at all reflect their morals. And even though Utah is roughly 60% Mormon, park city (where sundance is held) is maybe 20% Mormon, if that. The vendors like hotels restaurants and theaters are primarily non Mormon establishments. The filmmakers directors producers screenwriters and other industry ppl that come to show their films are not UT based nor are they Mormon. So then who is hurt? Not the mormons, most of which will stay far from park city. Not to mention 40% of Utah residents that if they are affected are targeted simply because they live amongst mormons. So basically boycotting the ff does nothing to hurt the church just innocent bystanders that are guilty by association. And it hurts Robert Redford who isn't Mormon! Well maybe if ppl boycott sundance that will mean better tickets for me! Lol.

I certainly understand your point, but from my perspective, it just seems like there's a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness to those affected by Prop 8. And sadly, it seems as though there isn't really much anyone can do about it. So protesting Sundance, while it may not have a huge affect on the Mormon community, is giving people an opportunity to do something to make their voices heard. Even if it doesn't hit the mark completely, it's something to rally around at a difficult time. It probably isn't the most effective protest, but I do understand the desire. I certainly don't wish ill for businesses during this difficult economic time, but I also don't begrudge protesters for wanting to come together as a community.

 

[abbyquack]

I don't blame anyone for trying to find something to protest to feel like they're making an impact- that makes sense. I don't begrudge people for protesting at the temples, because the church took an official stance and since those are official buildings, it's appropriate for the occasion. Once again I don't defend the church for a second, and I feel they're getting what they deserve. But it seems as though innocent people are targeted by boycotting Sundance, no? This affects people who most likely voted NO on prop 8 b/c they're mostly of the entertainment industry. It just seems senseless to me, like "let's bite the hand that feeds us"...just like that Mormon theater director in Cali who donated $1000 to YES, yet he profits everyday off of the talent and contributions of gays and lesbians. HE was biting the hand that fed him, and that's what's happening to Sundance.

 

[Beauty Mark]

A lot of times innocent people are hurt by boycotts... If you boycott Wal-Mart, for instance, they may have to reduce the number of workers and some people are really dependent on that job, even if it sucks and their rights sometimes what people are trying to stand up for. Or the writers' strike in Hollywood. IIRC, a bunch of blue collar workers were out of work without really any compensation.

I'm not justifying it, but it is the reality of many boycotts.

 

[abbyquack]

True, I was telling my husband today how I want to boycott Cinemark cinemas b/c the owner donated $10k to Yes on h8, which I probably will do, but you're right, there are many employees that are in the middle too that have nothing to do with any of this. But I still don't think Sundance is a reasonable target. I could think of many others that would be- like Marriott hotels or something...or Salt Lake City, just not Park City. Certainly there are still innocent people involved, but not as drastic as Sundance.

 

[Beauty Mark]

If this is true, it makes a little more sense that people have called for a Sundance boycott.

What would make more sense would be to boycott all groups that are against gay marriage. I didn't think there were that many Mormons in this country or Cali, for that matter.