PROTECT MARRIAGE!

Cory attended a fireside here in our Stake recently about Proposition 8 here in California. For those of you unfamiliar with what is going on, California voters passed a proposition in 2000 by 61% to define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, this statue did not amend the constitution, so earlier this year, four judges overturned that vote by saying it was unconstitutional. So, we are now fighting to pass an amendment to the constitution. The text of that entire amendment is as follows: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." It is the same text that passed by 61% in 2000.

Although I have always felt this issue to be very important, I have felt an enormous weight since Cory came home from that fireside. Maybe weight is the wrong word, but I have felt very strongly that it is urgent and imperative that we fight with all we have to get this passed.

The 1st Presidency has had a letter read in every ward in California that asks members to get as involved/donate as much as they possibly can. Since they speak for the Lord, this means that this is something God wants/expects us to do.

Some of the consequences of it not passing (that they talked about at the fireside) that frighten me the most were:
(1). Our children would be taught in schools that same sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage. They would not be able to opt out of this like sex education.
(2). Those who refuse to marry same sex couples could have their licenses to marry anyone taken away by the state. This could include bishops and temple sealers.
(3). This not being passed in California is HUGE. Eventually, other states would follow suit. Not living in California will not make you immune to these consequences.

So, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do anything you can to support this proposition. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN CALIFORNIA, You can go to protectmarriage.com and sign your name as a supporter, sign up to volunteer, or donate. If you do live in California and are LDS, you can also do much of this through your local ward/stake.

Last, please ponder this language from the Proclamation to the Family and see if it doesn't give you the same motivation it gave me to get involved:

"We warn that individuals who...fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

I personally believe that as just one individual mother in this nation, it is my responsibility to do all I can to protect the family and marriage as defined by our Father in Heaven. I want to do this not only for myself, but for my children.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now, but thanks for listening!