AZ Proposition 102 -- Yes for Marriage!

This past Sunday brought a very unique and unusual occurrence at church. As most of you know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse any particular political candidate or political propositions... normally. However, it has become necessary for the church to vocally support an AZ proposition. A proposition that is morally relevant.

On November 4th, Arizonans will be asked to vote on Proposition 102. This prop states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in this state." That's it! The proposition would make this an amendment to the AZ Constitution. Why is this necessary, you ask. We already have that definition as an AZ Statute. The people in California thought they were safe too.

"In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people...(lds.org). Therefore CA voters are being required to go back to the ballot box to defend their right to define marriage and family -- a right that the judicial system seems to think they are qualified to revoke.

Now Arizonans are taking preemptive measures to ensure that the minority, supported by our wayward judicial system, does not impinge upon our rights. By voting "yes" to Prop 102, Arizonans will make marriage, defined as the union between one man and one woman a constitutional amendment. Thus making it MUCH more difficult for our usurping judicial system to declare traditional marriage as "unconstitutional".

There are SOOOOO many horrible ramifications if this proposition is not passed. I firmly believe that marriage between one man and one woman is ordained of God. As stated in the "The Family: A Proclomation to the World":

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . 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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not the only church joining to support Prop. 102. Religions across the country have been adversely affected by this degradation of marriage and family and are now taking a stand.

"Legalizing same-sex marriage will affect a wide spectrum of government activities and policies. Once a state government declares that same-sex unions are a civil right, those governments almost certainly will enforce a wide variety of other policies intended to ensure that there is no discrimination against same-sex couples. This may well place “church and state on a collision course.” ^[16] The prospect of same-sex marriage has already spawned legal collisions with the rights of free speech and of action based on religious beliefs. For example, advocates and government officials in certain states already are challenging the long-held right of religious adoption agencies to follow their religious beliefs and only place children in homes with both a mother and a father. As a result, Catholic Charities in Boston has stopped offering adoption services. (lds.org)"

So, my friends and family members...if you are living in California, Arizona or Florida I strongly urge you to vote on November 4th to preserve the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. Check out YesForMarriage.com and read the News Releases (The Divine Institution of Marriage) from the LDS church to learn more about the unique political propositions the church and its members are supporting. And vote YES on Prop 102!