I have watched with interest the post election protests that have occurred over the passage of Prop 8 in California.  I continue to find it amazing that the LDS Church has been targeted specifically (although others have also had to deal with the protests as well).  Members of the LDS Church accounted for approximately 2 to 4% of the 52% majority for Prop 8 … 2 to 4%!!  I am grateful for the good people who have stood up and stood with the Church decrying the religious attacks that have occurred (in particular the Catholic officials in California).

  As I have thought on the events that are transpiring I wished for the opportunity to ask someone who was against Prop 8 if they felt like polygamy should be allowed.  Now let me qualify the polygamy statement because I am sure many would initially say that they just don’t think it is right for old men to marry young girls.  I am not talking about those scenarios.  What of those who at the appropriate ages  wish to enter into polygamous marriages?  I wonder what those who are against Prop 8 would say.  For those who would be against polygamy - why?  If you are so outraged at society defining marriage as between one man and one woman and limiting your rights why are you willing to limit others?  May I submit that for many it would be because there is a moral line they have drawn in their life that categorizes polygamy as inappropriate.  Whatever the reason for that moral line whether it be religious beliefs, the belief that society is better off without that practice being permitted, or some other reason that line is established.  With that context perhaps you can better understand those who voted in favor of Prop 8.  They simply drew the line in a different place – for whatever reason (and again there are many) – those who were in favor of Prop 8 felt that our nation, our society was better off defining marriage as between a man and a woman.  For most, it had nothing to do with hate and everything to do with doing what they thought best for society, for their children, for the future. 

  Morality is a key part of society – morals underpin our laws.  As such there will always be disagreements about what our society’s morals are and what laws are enacted around them.  As such I simply ask that the accusations of hate and bigotry stop – yes we disagree and yes those disagreements are over sensitive, emotional topics that leave many hurt feelings, but we can and should move beyond this to continue working together to build a better America.  This issue will undoubtedly come up again as issues with such strong, passionate followings do.  People will again vote according to their conscience formed by their personal moral beliefs.  Perhaps the outcome will be the same and perhaps it will be different, but let us not fall prey to hate.