There is a lot of hubbub about California's Proposition 8, which would define marriage as "between one man and one woman." So not only does that exclude gay marriage, it also excludes plural marriage. Polygamy has actually never been outlawed. Bigamy has. And most polygamists go to jail for reasons other than plural marriage. But I digress. A 'yes' vote for Prop 8 means no gay marriage, in California.
There has been a lot of discussion among church members about this, especially SSA church members. Some even think that, "I would never do it, but should be permissible for others to have that choice. Therefore, it should not be a law."
But it is already a law in the church, or at least official doctrine. In The Family: A Proclamation, it states:
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. ... The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.There it is. No room for gay marriage there. Sorry. Bummer. That is the doctrine and I believe it is eternal and true. The only marriage here is between a man and a woman.
I do not mean to be mean or critical. I think I now have many gay friends and truly wish they can find great happiness in their lives. However, I will hold to the doctrine.
(more in Part 2)
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