Same-Sex Marriage

Obergefell v Hodges
I think that the article summarizing the opinion of the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) was included in this week’s readings to bring to light both sides of the argument as to how Same-Sex Couples and their legal rights should be. It is interesting reading about the arguments each side made. I would like more closely read this article so that I have a better understanding of each side’s “whys”.

Latter-Day Saints View
As a Latter-day Saint I do not believe that we blow out of proportion the redefining of marriage because we believe in protecting the sanctity of marriage as President Nelson says, “Wherever we go, you and I as disciples of the Lord bear a solemn responsibility to proclaim the will of God to all people. And one of the more demanding opportunities of our time is to stand up for the truth regarding the sacred nature of marriage.” We must stand up to truth, even if it is not the popular viewpoint. Marriage is the “crowning ordinance” in our beliefs, and we must protect that. If marriage between same sex couples is legal, it starts the slippery slope with church and state, and where the boundaries lie.

My Circle of Influence
In my circle of influence, I can defend traditional marriage by teaching of God’s plan. My circle of influence includes my family, friends, work, neighborhood, church, community and others I meet. I can testify of the Plan of Salvation and refer to the Family Proclamation to the World. This is much easier in a church setting, or when there are like minded people around me. This can be more difficult if I need to defend my beliefs and stand up for traditional marriage around people who do not believe like me because there will be more opposition. I think that my voice does not need to be a loud one necessarily, it can start with my small circle and have a ripple effect.

Elder Nelson made it clear that, “those who stand as a disciple of Christ in these last days, which have been described as “perilous times,” will be put to the test.” This can be very difficult. I would like to think that I am “prepared for the tough times that are now upon us and which will only grow increasingly more challenging” but I am sure I can improve! I want to make sure that I am strong in my faith. I really like how, “Elder Nelson assured us that as we stand for marriage and as we remain true and faithful, the Lord will help us and protect us and will also bless our families.” I think that I will be blessed for supporting marriage because I will raise my children in a home with a mother and a father. I will be blessed spiritually and physically for doing what is right. I can be protected from harm. I will be blessed in my marriage and future family.

I was asked the question:

"You talked about your influence with family, friends, work, neighborhood, church, community and others I meet.  Are there any gays ore lesbians in your circle? What would you say to them?"

My response:

I have friends who are gay, some are "out" and others are not. It is interesting to know that someone is gay for a long time, and they are not ready to vocalize it to anyone. I notice this with my friends who are members of the church. I have two gay guy friends, that come to mind, they both have not come out as gay, because they want to live a straight lifestyle. It is very much an internal struggle they deal with, and it is hard to see. I have another friend who came out as gay about a year ago, he is not a member, and comes from a Catholic family and has half of them embrace him while the other half do not.  My next door neighbor is transgender, she was born a male and now identifies as a woman and lives her life like a woman. I am always kind to her and her girlfriend. My husband and I do service for them occasionally, bring them treats, we visit with them when we are both outside, and we have chatted inside their home. I believe in treating all people with love and respect, despite their differences and decisions. It is a hard question to answer as to what I would say to them. I do not believe it is my responsibility to tell people how they should live. I do however, believe that I can still be friends with someone even if we disagree on something like sexuality. If the topic were to come up as if I support gay marriage, I would likely say that I support happy healthy marriages between a man and a woman. I am happy for people who are in a happy relationship regardless of their gender identity or sexuality, which doesn't mean I support marriage between anyone but a man and a woman. I honestly, don't have an issue with people living with their significant other, even if it is a same gender couple. I feel that their choices, are exactly that, their choices... not mine. I would stand up for my belief respectfully, while they still know that I do not condemn them for their beliefs. Side note, I really respect people who have a straight relationship but struggle with same sex attraction. That must be very difficult for both individuals in the relationship. I know someone who didn't get married until he was in his early 40's because he wanted to live a straight lifestyle, and was looking for the "right" woman in the church that would be okay with his same sex attraction. He is happily married, and expecting their second child. He and his wife spoke at a conference a few years back, and shared their stories. I think that it really resonated with many of the members in that room. I am so happy for that couple that found love, joy, and eternal progression through their worthy temple marriage. I am not sure if that is the "right" answer to your question, but it is how I feel.