Hurt...

Watching the news, reading the newspaper, one cannot escape the hurt and frustration that has come from the passing of Proposition 8 in California. I feel really torn by this issue. Knowing people who are gay really has added to the confusion that I feel with gay marriage. First of all, I do not think the California Supreme Court should have allowed gay marriage against the wishes of the majority, which was stated clearly, and then struck down in May of this year. Whether we like it or not, this nation is a democratic nation; a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The thing with Prop. 8 is that you can't give a people a right, and then take it away again. That is simply not fair. Now, I believe that marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God. That being said, I am not opposed to the idea of gays being allowed to have civil marriages/civil unions. With Proposition 8, if it had passed, a religious institution/clergyman could be sued should they refuse to marry a gay couple. That, to me, is ridiculous. I think that is in complete contradiction to the separation of church and state. Now, some people will say "Well, then religious institutions should not be voicing any opinion publicly on this issue, as that goes against the separation of church and state." To me, that is not quite the same thing. There is a fine line, it is true, between what a religious organization can and cannot say should they wish to keep their tax-exempt status, and between the right to freedom of speech. I believe a church, as an assumed "moral" beacon, has the right to speak to its congregation on matters it deems of moral import. That being said, I also think that the gay community is well within their rights to express their outrage, but I think the acts of vandalism which have occurred are hurtful to their cause and only makes those who oppose their position stronger in their own position. I know that I have been hurt and offended by some of the things that I have seen and read in relation to this topic and my faith, and it has caused me to feel some anger. I do not appreciate seeing places that I deem holy and sacred being used as canvas for spray paint and graffiti. I do not appreciate hateful untruths being shown in commercials, blogs, and even newspapers about my faith and those who follow it. I think it is so unfortunate that the gay community and the LDS community cannot come to understand and sympathize with each other. Have we not both been persecuted for living our lifestyle of choice? Have we not both experienced hatred and outright prejudice? I do not see us as all that different in that aspect. I know what I believe, and what the majority of Christianity believes, but can we not come to some understanding? I stand firm with my faith in that marriage is between one man and one woman, and that we support civil unions, but I hope that everyone can come together and find common ground so that we can make some peace with this issue. I hate seeing so many people hurt...