Again...on Prop 8

NPR had a story this morning about discrimination faced by those who have supported Prop 8 - the so-called gay marriage ban. I thought I'd add my story to the milieu.

First, however, let's be clear. Prop 8 is NOT a gay marriage ban. It's a poorly-worded attempt to preserve the right of religions to define marriage. I am not particularly fond of the way it's written - but I do strongly support the constitutional right to religious freedom. Nothing but religion has the right to define itself - and marriage is a judeo-christian concept, therefore, it belongs to religions to define the concept. And, as it is defined in sacred works, marriage is NOT an expression of love or even the formation of a procreative union - it's a union between the male & female genders created and sanctioned by God.

So, let's be clear on something else: I don't care who you have sex with nor do I think that your sexual relationship should be a foundation for civil rights or benefits. I think marriage needs to be abolished as a political concept. It's antiquated and likely violates the separation between church & state - at least, this argument seems to demonstrate that it's caused a big problem and probably shouldn't be a legal matter.

But let me tell ya - nobody's asked my opinion as to why I supported Prop 8. I've been told I'm a closeted bigot and that I'm woefully inept at being liberal-minded. I've had to fight past protestors to go to the temple or go to church. I've heard people say that they've been forced to resign from jobs or positions of influence. And I've had my own experience now.

I'm a well-known "mormon" who attends UCLA. I've struggled from the day I announced my religion - but it's wrong to attack a social group and I wouldn't stand for it. Then Prop 8 happened. My grades declined radically. I've been asked to write and rewrite every paper. The requirements for me to graduate have doubled. I can't say I'm the best student - but I also have to ask if my religion has influenced this sudden change in grading.

So, I ask you....where is the freedom of speech here? Who is the real mob? I know there are bigots - but the vast majority of us simply request to live our religion as we see fit and are asking culture to leave that alone. Our church, those evil Mormons who are out to kill gays apparently - I just keep missing those cross-burning & hood-wearing meetings it seems- have advocated for stronger civil union legislation so that civil rights can be extended to all.

We should have the right to be free. We all should - and driving people out of business, forcing them out of school, or trying to use the media to convince others that we are evil just so our viewpoint can't be expressed. It's wrong people and as anti-democratic as anything could be.