Are Prop. 8 protesters arguing over a technicality?

By Bethany Crane

November 17, 2008 | Because of the vocal support for California's Proposition 8 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations, there have been protests all over the country mainly targeting the LDS Church.

By protesting against the church and others, there seems to be a discrepancy in the desire for rights to be honored. No matter what affiliation they hold, people have the right to speak their mind and give their opinion, and that is a two way street. If the gay and lesbian community wish to have their sentiments made known, there has to be as much opportunity for the opposing side to be heard as well.

Protesting in front of LDS temples and church headquarters in Salt Lake City isn't going to do anything but hurt their cause. The decision has been made and if anyone needs to hear these arguments it is the California Supreme Court. They actually have the official decision making ability to overturn the proposition.

This seems to be arguing over a technicality. Domestic-partner registration is still upheld in the state of California which allows much of the same rights to these partnerships as marriage. The point has come where a decision must be made about whether you're truly concerned about the title of being married, or if it is the rights you are really concerned about.

The proposition isn't against gays or lesbians, it's about preserving what society holds to be a traditional definition of marriage. There aren't propositions to oppose same sex housing or to not purchase from companies or businesses that are run by openly homosexual individuals.

There's a difference between accepting a situation, and endorsing it. All it looks like when the protests go on around the LDS temples, is that the people are mad that society doesn't accept all facets of the gay and lesbian community and they want someone to throw stones at. That there is not an eloquent argument you have, except to demonstrate that you are upset about it.

Whether or not you believe in the issue, or which side you take, approaching a group or person with your opinion by boycotting them, rejecting them as a whole, or even reacting violently to them, is not credible or helps the cause you're fighting for.

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