The inspiration for this is because I changed my profile picture today, adding a rainbow tint to show my support of marriage equality for the LGBTQ community.
I was met with opposition and confusion as to why I would take this position, especially and perhaps exclusively because I hail from a conservative religious background. There are a few simple reasons for this and here they are.
1. Agency and the importance of freedom of thought
The logic behind taking a position that marriage is only for a man and a woman is problematic in numerous ways. To begin this dialogue, lets just call a spade a spade, this whole argument is a religious/theological debate, nothing more. The main issue that I take with this, is that those who are against marriage equality based on religious reasons, feel completely justified in their actions to try and thwart someone else's relationship from becoming a marriage recognized by the law of that land. All this because of their own belief that God hates the sin of homosexuality.
My question is that why does that belief, then justify the action of trying to impose one's beliefs on others? Religious people believe that two homosexuals can't/shouldn't get married because marriage, as interpreted in the contemporary, can only be between a man and a woman.
I remember reading once about a woman who got 'married' officially to the Eiffel tower. I've read about a man being 'married' to his dog. As much as I personally do not recognize in any way that these 'marriages' are legitimate, I can enjoy the fact that it doesn't have the least bit of effect on my own life, so whether this man married his dog or a woman, or a sandwich, it doesn't diminish the meaning of marriage to me, and it doesn't harm me directly or indirectly in any way.
My question is that why does that belief, then justify the action of trying to impose one's beliefs on others? Religious people believe that two homosexuals can't/shouldn't get married because marriage, as interpreted in the contemporary, can only be between a man and a woman.
I remember reading once about a woman who got 'married' officially to the Eiffel tower. I've read about a man being 'married' to his dog. As much as I personally do not recognize in any way that these 'marriages' are legitimate, I can enjoy the fact that it doesn't have the least bit of effect on my own life, so whether this man married his dog or a woman, or a sandwich, it doesn't diminish the meaning of marriage to me, and it doesn't harm me directly or indirectly in any way.
I was raised in the Mormon faith, and so many of the people who will read this are my Mormon friends and family. So this next part might go over someone's head if they aren't familiar with the teachings/beliefs of the Mormon church. Here is why I think that being against Marriage Equality for the active/believing member of the Mormon church, is extremely problematic.
Lucifer's plan in the pre-existence was to fashion a plan, by which there would not a soul be lost whilst going through the earthly experience, only on the premise that mankind's agency would be taken from them in order to accomplish this. "Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him... He was cast down" Moses 4:3. It is clear to me, that the God of Mormon theology views agency as being a key component in His plan. With that in mind, why stop at marriage equality? God has presented mankind with many commandments which 'the world' does not adhere to. Why not try and pass bills so that no one can drink alcohol, tea, coffee, cigarettes? How about Pornography? Swearing? Is there a pursuit to try and make everyone adhere to the Mormon standard of Sabbath day worship? No? So what makes this any different?
2."Traditional marriage"
The tradition of marriage alters depending on what culture you come from, and what time period you live in. In some Indian cultures it is traditional for arranged marriages to take place. For you Pride and Prejudice fans, do we not see problems that evolve around the notion of marrying for love, as opposed to their prevalent belief that you marry for economic/political stability? Or has God settled on our western idea of marrying for love and companionship?
Within a Mormon context, the idea of going gun ho for "Traditional marriage" is simply nonsensical to me. In the narrative of the History of the Church, God commanded the Latter-day Saints to engage in the practice of Polygamy and Polyandry.
Within a Mormon context, the idea of going gun ho for "Traditional marriage" is simply nonsensical to me. In the narrative of the History of the Church, God commanded the Latter-day Saints to engage in the practice of Polygamy and Polyandry.
Polygamy definition: "The practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
Polyandry definition: "Polygamy in which the woman has more than one husband".
People outside of the Mormon religion in the early 1800's (and even many within the faith), found this teaching to be abominable, abhorrent, perverted and blasphemous (based on their own cultures current values, and religious understandings). The Church's founder Joseph Smith engaged in around 11 polyandrous relationships, as well as the various other polygamous practices that he also engaged in. The practice of polygamy stopped when the U.S. government threatened to take away all of the churches assets, buildings, and imprisoning every leader who was engaged in polygamy. It was a very trying time for the members of the church, it made them feel victimized that they weren't able to practice marriage in the way they believed God wanted them to do. Their agency was taken in this situation. There are alarming parallels which I think are clear, and with this gaping example of hypocrisy, in this regard, I do not think members of the LDS church who fight marriage equality, have a single leg to stand on, especially when the church still practices polygamy to this day through temple sealings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOAdICtXKRM - Brother Jake
3. People's attitudes about how they treat LGTBQ people are appalling
'Love the sinner, hate the sin' is an often quoted idea and is especially used in the case of referring to homosexuality. Even if this were a correct principle (which I do not personally believe, in fact I find it repugnant), I do not believe that finite, imperfect beings such as we are, are capable of making the distinction. People ask me why do I care so much about this issue? Well, when a day comes where kids are not being thrown out on the street based on 'hating the sin' after coming out to their family. When a day comes where people don't have to live in fear of living an authentic life. When unjustifiable abuse, shunning, disowning and the astronomically high rates of suicide among LGBT people are stopped once and for all, only then will I chill out. I want homophobia and bigotry to be a thing of the past and so long as people believe they have a 'right' to treat LGBT people differently to others, this battle will continue.
I watched this video a while ago, that allows one to retain their beliefs but opens the door to greater empathy to the experience of LGBTQ people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnOJgDW0gPI If gay were straight and straight were gay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnOJgDW0gPI If gay were straight and straight were gay
4. London Pride 2015
I attended my first gay pride parade today. It was absolutely incredible. 1.5 million people gathered together in London, to express their love, support and acceptance of their LGBT friends, family and citizens. The energy, the excitement was infectious, and the climate that everyone could be themselves without fear of judgement, was incredibly touching.
5. Affirmation: LGBT Mormons, family and friends - "Be found" (http://affirmation.org/)
A week ago I attended a conference in London, the first time ever in Europe, hosted by the organization Affirmation. There I was able to get to know some of THE kindest, most gentle, incredible individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. I sat amongst them as it began and ended with a prayer, sung the well known Mormon hymn "I am a child of God", and I was able to hear so many stories that represented difficult, empowering, and inspiring stories. There was a married couple there who I caught exchanging loving glances...It literally melted my heart, being privileged to witness such a tangible love by these two men.
A week ago I attended a conference in London, the first time ever in Europe, hosted by the organization Affirmation. There I was able to get to know some of THE kindest, most gentle, incredible individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. I sat amongst them as it began and ended with a prayer, sung the well known Mormon hymn "I am a child of God", and I was able to hear so many stories that represented difficult, empowering, and inspiring stories. There was a married couple there who I caught exchanging loving glances...It literally melted my heart, being privileged to witness such a tangible love by these two men.
This is an organization that supports people in whatever path they choose to take, whether that be remaining in the church or going down another path, respecting agency whilst displaying an ever present love and concern for their well being. The very definition of "Christlike love".
I support marriage equality because I believe everyone has the right to make their own choices in life. I am so happy when I think about the many children who need adopting and fostering now have the opportunity to be accepted into loving homes. I support marriage equality because I believe everyone has the right to love, and to express that love to those to whom it is given.
I am an LGBT ally and I wear that as a badge of honour.
I am an LGBT ally and I wear that as a badge of honour.
