tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194269264340959012024-03-13T10:23:16.959-07:00Brig's BlogI like to report and comment on news, information, and opinions relevant to the LGBT community and the christian churches, as well as the relationship between the two.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-14156820869712853452016-09-29T11:00:00.003-07:002016-09-29T23:40:00.963-07:00To the Disillusioned Christian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First Off</h3>
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It's been a while since I've written--for many reasons. The battle for equality has been winning enough that news and updates have diminished to very little. Minus the issues involving the newly adopted cause for trans equality, there has been little talk on equal rights for homosexuals, bisexuals, and same-sex marriage. The Mormon Church has also stayed out of the conversation for the most part, ever since the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-christofferson-says-handbook-changes-regarding-same-sex-marriages-help-protect-children?lang=eng">policy</a> that completely shutdown the hope that gays and mormons could live in harmony. Hence, little to rile me up enough to write.</div>
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The more legitimate reason for my silence is my sudden change of hometown. I decided in the middle of this year to look for work in San Diego--instantly rolling a ball of tasks to complete for a smooth exit from Salt Lake City and a new life in San Diego. I was frantically trying to wrap up work at my last job, started to sell my home and furnishings, and began looking for a new job to begin the actual pack-up and leave. </div>
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Now I'm in San Diego, working, and taking a breath from the first hurricane of changes. I still have yet to sell my home to have the down payment for a condo here. I almost did, but the appraiser all but turned me over and raped me with a low F-U house price that forced the buyer to pull out. I'm paranoid an acquaintance-gone-bad might be pulling strings to make my life more hellish. Anyway, I'm sure it will work out soon and I can finally have my bachelor pad to myself and move out of my parents' guest room. </div>
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My Rant</h3>
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What brings me on to write in my "journal" today is this article that popped up about disillusioned Christians dealing with the problem that is Donald Trump. I like hearing that the republicans are distraught that their sham of a party is being represented by a lunatic. Trump isn't a republican. He's a narcissist. He did what he needed to run and get the votes. He likes the popularity--all he talks about is his accomplishments, polls, ratings, and endorsements. And since he doesn't hold a true "christian" view of gay marriage, abortion, and similar social issues, radical evangelicals are bemoaning the presidential election as a combat of evil vs. satanic. In my opinion, I think most Americans feel the same way to some level, and that most of our elections end up that way. But it's more dramatic for the religious who don't have a candidate that prays to "god" and quotes scripture in rallies.</div>
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So this article I read seemed juicy about the Trump drama, but come to find out, it was more about the religious whining that America is diminished to sinful wasteland due to same-sex rights progress. This older couple in Iowa owned an old church for various businesses, one being a rental for events like weddings. A young gay couple showed up to a booked hotel to wed only to find that it had gone bankrupt and closed. The only other venue in the area to book that wouldn't completely alter their wedding was this Iowa couples' church rental. But once they knew it was a same-sex wedding, they refused the gay couple's business. </div>
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The story continues like many: religious party is sued and loses. But instead of them booming in business for "standing for their beliefs", they all but lost any interest in their business. The article outlines their disdain for legalizing SSM in the US and their outcry for not de-funding Planned Parenthood. They whine of the diminishing popularity of christianity, and that they no longer enjoy a majority in the country. They are huge Ted Cruz fans (that should tell you enough). Cruz even came to make them heroes for standing for their beliefs. It ignited again the hateful fire that religious freedom trumps the equality for everyone to quietly live their own happy lives. </div>
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The gay couple stated the simple (yet ignored argument) that these Christians' beliefs are against gay marriage, but their beliefs are for it--why should the christian's opinion win? And the dumb part is that it's a fight for gays to have the same thing the straight people do; nothing more or less. Yet the christians (that seem to believe they run the country) are upset that someone they don't like gets to have the same privileges they enjoy. </div>
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<b><i>"When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression."</i></b></blockquote>
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Yes, christians have been persecuted. That's what started the USA in the first place. They wanted the freedom to do what they wanted. And for a while, most everyone was able to do what they wanted in the belief department. But now that we're a grown country, and one of the most powerful ones, we're still being held in the past of what got us here in the first place. Believers believe it's their right to impose their beliefs onto the entire country. Their right to making sure everyone believes the way they do is being infringed. Now that minorities are stepping up to defend their points of view--and winning--the religious want to put up their hand and yell "foul!" I came across a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-boeskool/when-youre-accustomed-to-privilege_b_9460662.html">blog post</a> that gives a good metaphor to this whole problem.<br />
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It made me sick that these religious people are so upset that they are "losing" their majority and hold on the country's policies. What's even worse is that their life isn't getting any worse--it's all in their head. All that's happening is that people not like you get to have the same things you do. You finally have to share the toy in the sandbox with someone else.<br />
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I have to deal with idiotic religious people every day. I can't avoid it. Christians believe that they can throw a fit when a homosexual wants to rent from you (and pay you for it!). Yet they think we are taking their beliefs and pissing on them.<br />
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Well... gays, lesbians, trans, bis, blacks, latinos, satanists, atheists, and agnostics, etc. have been pissed on and are still pissed on by religious peoples' overzealous need to be better and in control over others' lives. Boo-hoo that the candidate for your traditionally god-fearing party is Donald Trump. Boo-hoo that gays can marry and women can abort. Boo-hoo that you have to be as nice to me as I have to be to you. Boo-hoo that kids are leaving religion because it's bogus hocus-pocus. Boo-hoo.</div>
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My parents and most of my family are religious. We respect each other, but still both hold strong to each others' points of view. My dad continues to say things like "stop complaining and get a job", and "you think you're being discriminated--I'm being discriminated here!". He's a white, christian, straight, wealthy male. It enrages me, but I have to calmly disagree and sometimes jovially ask him to shut up. I know if push comes to shove, he will respect my choices and support what makes me happy--even if he doesn't want some of it in his house. I've done the same and more for him.</div>
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So there's my rant. Nothing new. It just astonishes me that people are still complaining and whining that there's no hope in this world until "Jesus comes to purge it". Doom and gloom is the invention of idiots that refuse to take responsibility, make a difference, or choose to be happy. This article, I'm sure, is one of a thousand other stories of more dumb people that can't keep to themselves. Gays have been asked to keep to themselves since the beginning. Now it's your turn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/30/us/donald-trump-christians-gay-marriage.html?_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/30/us/donald-trump-christians-gay-marriage.html?_r=0</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-55336491570726695532016-04-20T11:22:00.000-07:002016-04-20T11:22:07.909-07:00Utah Picked the Wrong Crisis: Porn<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4fDHgNMef88" width="560"></iframe><br />
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A Utah state senator is grabbing conservative attention by reiterating its (predominantly) Mormon religion's stance against pornography. Governor Gary Herbert signed a bill just this week that took only a couple months from announcement to unanimous approval in the house, to signing.<br />
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The bill merely declares pornography a "public health crisis", and will issue requests to businesses to block pornographic sites on their public internet Wifi. Supporters of the bill wish to decry the "evil, addictive, and harmful nature" of porn, and protect children from coming across it.<br />
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This move is ironic considering the other major sex-related problems in the state: STDs are on the rise hitting records, and public school sex-education is opt-in only--something Mormon parents in Utah wouldn't do.<br />
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Related is BYU's Honor Code policy that essentially punishes students that wish to file a claim for rape or sexual assault. A student may confide that he/she was assaulted, but almost all claims are forwarded to the Honor Code Office. And the Honor Code office almost always punishes the victim for violating the Honor Code, even if the assault is investigated. The strict policies can kick out students that are found having the opposite gender in their living areas after curfew, having sex before marriage, or using drugs or alcohol. For fear of punishment for participating in any of these unrelated activities before the assault, victims are usually dissuaded from reporting the crime--emboldening assailants.<br />
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Kids in Utah--if they're lucky enough to have parents sign the permission slip that lets them enter the sex-education class--are subjected to an "abstinence-based" curriculum. Abstinence has been long known as the worst method of conveying sexual safety. Utah teachers are not allowed to mention condoms (let alone provide them), methods of contraception, or bring up anything related to homosexuality or transgender.<br />
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With no formal discussion on how to prevent teenage pregnancies or STIs, and with only the statement "don't have sex" looming in a teen's mind, all a kid can do is contemplate doing exactly what they are told not to.<br />
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Harmful forms of pornography are rare--by harmful, I mean promotes violent and unsafe sexual activities. At least viewing pornography is the one sexual activity that does not have any chance of contracting an STI or impregnating a woman. The ROOT of the problem (teen pregnancies, STIs, harmful porn) is a lack of comprehensive sex-education. Why doesn't Utah have it? The state legislature thinks it's icky, and parents are not doing a proper job preparing their children for potential sexual activity.<br />
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Morals and standards aside, most kids will dabble in something sexual before getting married. Without the knowledge that condoms and contraceptives are safe practices to avoid getting pregnant or an STI, kids are going to get pregnant and STIs. This isn't just kids either. The lack of education carries on into adulthood. It would take "learning the hard way" for many adults to realize how to prevent such unwanted consequences.<br />
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Parents in Utah are usually Mormon, and usually hammering on their kids to not have sex--sex is bad, and only "just ok" after marriage. Even then, it's only purpose is to make babies. When a kid has questions about sex, it's usually a conversation that begins and ends with "don't do it--stay abstinent". Such sheltering and suppression in teens that have unbearable sexual feelings almost always end in an all-out rebellion. Finding the raunchiest porn (since it's the least "sinful" sex action), to masturbation, to sexual experimentation without protection.<br />
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The crisis here is not pornography. It's only a result. And not even the big issue. Parents are the issue. Parents and the Utah legislature are preventing the only known methods of statistically reducing the chances of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. And what happens when there are fewer unwanted pregnancies? Fewer abortions! If a conservative hates abortions so much, then it would seem reasonable to support education that helps reduce the pregnancies that usually result in abortions.<br />
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But again, the Mormon ruled land will do as the Mormon leaders say without thinking for itself. Declaring porn as a public health crisis will give people a few warm fuzzies. But it won't solve anything, and certainly doesn't address the root of the problems that the LDS culture continues to ignore.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/3795566-155/debate-no-sex-please-were-utahns?page=1">http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/3795566-155/debate-no-sex-please-were-utahns?page=1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3794990-155/woman-files-federal-complaint-against-byu">http://www.sltrib.com/news/3794990-155/woman-files-federal-complaint-against-byu</a><br />
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<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/04/19/3770705/anti-porn-resolution-utah/">http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/04/19/3770705/anti-porn-resolution-utah/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/3795327-155/utah-ceremonially-declares-porn-a-public">http://www.sltrib.com/news/3795327-155/utah-ceremonially-declares-porn-a-public</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2382827-155/op-ed-utahs-sex-ed-policy-is-doing">http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2382827-155/op-ed-utahs-sex-ed-policy-is-doing</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-22058655604730266052016-04-13T09:54:00.001-07:002016-04-13T09:54:16.709-07:00SLC Mayor Biskupski Bans City Travel to NC, MS; Invites Business to Relocate to SLC<img class="img-responsive" height="472" src="http://www.sltrib.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=xOtiA8Pa6nmdBsHkqVT8ts$daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYsb_k2P$2pfl2MRCDesyyy9WCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF$9l$4uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="640" /><br />
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Newly elected SLC Mayor Jackie Biskupski has issued an executive order banning any newly planned city sponsored trips to either Mississippi or North Carolina, both states who have signed in laws that have banned protections for LGBT, emboldened discrimination in the workplace, or force trans individuals to use the public bathrooms of their gender at birth.<br />
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Biskupski states that SLC is inclusive, and the Utah's anti-discrimination law passed last year has the backing of the LDS church, known for its anti-LGBT policies. The mayor says she wants to lead cities for change in providing equality and safety. Any measures against this cause, like in MS and NC are for political reasons and aren't good for those states.<br />
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Biskupski invites businesses in those states to move to Utah, and has or will send specific invites to particular major companies, like PayPal. Although these anti-gay laws are unfortunate, Biskupski says that our forward thinking in Utah will give us an economic advantage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/3768989-155/salt-lake-city-mayor-jackie-biskupski">http://www.sltrib.com/home/3768989-155/salt-lake-city-mayor-jackie-biskupski</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-68723665644943399492016-04-12T10:05:00.003-07:002016-04-12T10:05:45.584-07:00Tennessee Trying to Mimic NC's Bathroom Bill<img class="irc_mi" src="http://txepc.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Tennessee_flag_map.png" height="166" width="640" /><br />
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Tennessee has on Gov. Bill Haslam's desk a new legislation that would be similar to the "bathroom bill" of North Carolina. Under everyone's noses, and expedited with special sessions, North Carolina became one of the first states to undermine LGBT progress with a sweeping bill that eliminates all local conflicting laws. But North Carolina's law didn't stop there--in addition to requiring all citizens to use the bathroom of their birth gender (no neutral bathrooms allowed), it "Trojan-horsed" wording that prevents employees from using state courts to battle discrimination laws. Employees can still use the federal courts, but access to them is much more difficult. The result is less protections from discrimination for LGBT, race, religion, etc.<br />
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Before signing the bill, Gov. Haslam of Tennessee is considering the warnings of his Attorney General--those of losing federal funds for public schooling since the bathroom bill would undermine federal law that protects LGBT people. In addition, like in many other states, several large companies, like Disney, Delta, NFL, and Coca-Cola have threatened boycotting a state that induces discrimination by law.<br />
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<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/transgender-bathroom-bill-delayed-amid-financial-questions-38335397">http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/transgender-bathroom-bill-delayed-amid-financial-questions-38335397</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/north-carolina%E2%80%99s-terrible-anti-lgbt-law-even-worse-we-thought">http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/north-carolina%E2%80%99s-terrible-anti-lgbt-law-even-worse-we-thought</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-90823964146990602702016-04-05T12:51:00.001-07:002016-04-05T12:51:26.254-07:00Mississippi Signs in Next Anti-LGBT Law<img alt="Mississippi governor's mansion" class="trb_embed_imageContainer_img" data-baseurl="http://www.trbimg.com/img-57040750/turbine/la-mississippi-governor-bill-20160405" data-c-nd="2048x1318" data-height="400" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-57040750/turbine/la-mississippi-governor-bill-20160405/700/700x394" data-ratio="16x9" data-width="700" height="360" itemprop="image" title="Mississippi governor's mansion" width="640" /><br />
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Mississippi Governor Bryant signed a new law "protecting the already existing rights of religious people to express their deeply-held beliefs". The new law prevents the government from punishing religious organizations, charities, and private business owners for denying employment, products or services to people that disagree with their religion.<br />
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The law also permits religious people to cite their religion as a reason to discriminate any person.<br />
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From Gov. Phil Bryant:<br />
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“I am signing HB 1523 into law to protect sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions of individuals, organizations and private associations from discriminatory action by state government or its political subdivisions, which would include counties, cities and institutions of higher learning. This bill merely reinforces the rights which currently exist to the exercise of religious freedom as stated in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This bill doe snot limit any constitutionally protected rights or actions of any citizen of this state under federal or state laws. It does not attempt to challenge federal laws, even those which are in conflict with the Mississippi Constitution, as the Legislature recognizes the prominence of federal law in such limited circumstances.The legislation is designed in the most targeted manner possible to prevent government interference in the lives of the people from which all power to the state is derived.”</blockquote>
From the American Civil Liberties Union:<br />
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"This is a sad day for the state of Mississippi and for the thousands of Mississippians who can now be turned away from businesses, refused marriage licenses, or denied housing, essential services and needed care based on who they are. This bill flies in the face of the basic American principles of fairness, justice and equality and will not protect anyone's religious liberty. Far from protecting anyone from 'government discrimination' as the bill claims, it is an attack on the citizens of our state, and it will serve as the Magnolia State's badge of shame."</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.rawstory.com/2016/04/mississippi-governor-signs-anti-gay-religious-freedom-bill-into-law/">https://www.rawstory.com/2016/04/mississippi-governor-signs-anti-gay-religious-freedom-bill-into-law/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-mississippi-law-service-denial-gays-20160405-story.html">http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-mississippi-law-service-denial-gays-20160405-story.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mississippi-governor-phil-bryant-signs-law-allowing-service-denial-to-gays/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mississippi-governor-phil-bryant-signs-law-allowing-service-denial-to-gays/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-61536277606897122492016-03-29T11:02:00.000-07:002016-03-29T11:02:18.283-07:00Georgia Gov. Vetoes Anti-Gay Law<iframe frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhvIXzFWl9A&rel=0&image=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZhvIXzFWl9A/maxresdefault.jpg&" width="550"></iframe><br />
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After dozens of threats from companies like the NFL, Disney, and Marvel to pull out of the state, Georgia Gov. Deal has decided to veto a law sent to him by the state legislature to swell the rights of people with religious convictions.<br />
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Deal said, "I do not think we have to discriminate against anyone to protect the faith-base community in Georgia.<br />
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Supporters of the bill said it wasn't discriminatory, and it protects religious people's faiths, as well represents the will of the people. But LGBT activists argue that since there are no state protections for gender identity and sexual preference, this bill would override local laws that may have the protections, enabling religious organizations like hospitals or "Good-Will-like" businesses to refuse serving or hiring customers because of a claimed religious belief.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=39077861&nid=157">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=39077861&nid=157</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-15267029762804789492016-03-24T11:37:00.002-07:002016-03-24T11:37:26.233-07:00North Carolina Undermines LGBT; Signs in Anti Law<br />
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After Charlotte, NC passed a local law adding the words "gender identity" and "sexual preference" to the anti-discrimination list, several conservative groups rushed in to mangle it.<br />
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And it worked.<br />
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Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a monumental anti-LGBT bill after a special session to move the bill forward. The bill is deemed the "bathroom law", referring to language that requires biological genders to remain in their respectively labelled bathrooms. But it also includes several other protections for religion with explicit reference to business. On top of that, the state law explicitly supersedes any local city laws, that contradict it.<br />
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Here is a quick summary:<br />
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1) A person may only use a public bathroom labelled for his or her biological gender.<br />
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2) Nondiscrimination includes race, religion, color, nation origin, and biological sex. Nothing is said about gender identity or sexual preference.<br />
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3) No local or city ordinance may change this definition of nondiscrimination and must label all public multi-person bathrooms as either male or female, enforcing entrance by biological gender.<br />
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<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/24/471700323/north-carolina-passes-law-blocking-measures-to-protect-lgbt-people">http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/24/471700323/north-carolina-passes-law-blocking-measures-to-protect-lgbt-people</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/03/north-carolina-passes-sweeping-bill-that-blocks-lgbtq-protections/">http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/03/north-carolina-passes-sweeping-bill-that-blocks-lgbtq-protections/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-34408392201162880672016-03-24T10:37:00.000-07:002016-03-24T10:37:34.897-07:00Disney and Marvel Threaten Georgia over Anti-LGBT<img src="http://i1.wp.com/static.lgbtqnation.com/assets/2016/03/cap.jpg" height="359" width="640" /><br />
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A law in Georgia has made its way up to the Governor's desk that undermines LGBT equality momentum. The law broadens the rights of people with strong religious beliefs, preventing any adverse consequences for discriminating against anyone for any reason, as long the reasoning is based on those beliefs.<br />
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A number of bills and laws have flurried their ways to local and state governments--usually owned originally by conservative think-tanks and anti-LGBT religious organizations. The southern states have seen most of them.<br />
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Disney and Marvel, as well as countless other corporations have threatened to pull out of Georgia if Gov. Deal signs the bill into Georgia law. Such pull outs would severely hurt the state's economy--enough for Deal to strongly consider veto-ing the bill, due by May 3.<br />
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Indiana and Arizona also faced similar laws protecting the religious on a fear of attack by minorities. Arizona vetoed its law, and Indiana amended its law after serious business threats should the law remain.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/03/if-antigay-bill-passes-disney-and-marvel-will-stop-all-production-work-in-georgia/">http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/03/if-antigay-bill-passes-disney-and-marvel-will-stop-all-production-work-in-georgia/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-disney-georgia-anti-gay-20160323-story.html">http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-disney-georgia-anti-gay-20160323-story.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/757">http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/757</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-71559118313407590092016-02-26T12:49:00.001-08:002016-02-26T12:51:44.816-08:00UT House Rejects Bill to Permit Same-Sex Adoption/Foster<iframe frameborder="0" width="580" height="320" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1456364508-1363678477.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1456364508-1363678477.jpg&width=640&height=360"></iframe>
A Utah House panel rejected in a 5-5 tie a bill that would change Utah law language that would explicitly provide equal opportunities for opposite and same sex parents to adopt and foster children. Instead, opposition to the bill stated that it wanted to reserve the right to prefer opposite sex parents when deciding to place children in a home. Rep. Nelson stated that Utah isn't barring same-sex couples from adoption or fostering, just giving the state and groups the ability to give opposite-sex couples preferential treatment. For example, a group could put a same-sex couple on hold until they could find no other opposite sex couple to grant adoption to.<br />
<br />
In addition, the Rep. Wheatley of Murray stated that the failed vote was about the "safety of children", purporting that same-sex couples are less safe than their opposite-sex couple counterparts.<br />
<br />
Support of the bill stated that the SCOTUS decision last year made it clear that all the rights associated with marriage must be granted to same-sex couples. They warned that if the bills are not passed, litigation will go tot the court again.<br />
<br />
The bill would change words in Utah law like "man or woman" to "spouse", "parent", or "partner".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38635124&amp;nid=148">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38635124&amp;nid=148</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-89622896639009198712016-02-18T10:40:00.001-08:002016-02-18T10:45:11.134-08:00Mormon Church Voices Against Hate Crime Bill<iframe height="320" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1455758970-1298427213.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1455758970-1298427213.jpg&" width="580"></iframe><br />
<br />
A newly proposed Utah bill, SB107, introduced by UT senators Steve Urquhart and Jim Debakis, raised concern for the Mormons, the greatest influence on Utah legislation and government. The bill adds strong punishments for crimes that are influenced on a belief the criminal held against the victim.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2016/bills/static/SB0107.html">SB107</a> would more clearly define a hate crime as an offense against a person or person's property based on a belief or perception about their ancestry, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation."</blockquote>
The church stated:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The Utah Legislature achieved something extraordinary last year in arriving at legislation that protected both religious liberty rights and LGBT rights. Interests from both ends of the political spectrum are attempting to alter that balance. We believe that the careful balance achieved through being fair to all should be maintained."</blockquote>
What is confusing to many is that the bill includes language for both sexual identity/orientation, as well as religion. Many also believe that the influence of the Mormon Church on government is nearly breaching the "Separation of Church and State" clauses of the US Constitution.<br />
<br />
It's not unfair to claim that the church has the rights to say what it wants, support or oppose laws, or even speak of politicians. But many, if not most statements publicly announced by the Mormons has little or no factual evidence to support its claims: only fear of unintended consequences.<br />
<br />
The fear that the Mormon Church--as well as many other religions--exclaims is often a powerful tool to influence the voices of its members--including those with political power.<br />
<br />
The Mormons have also recently opposed a law to expand the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, also warning of the "unintended consequences". Such statements often kill bills in the state senate--truly underlining the strong hold the Mormons have on law.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38546704&nid=148">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38546704&nid=148</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ksl.com/?nid=1016&sid=38410896&title=mormon-church-comes-out-against-utah-medical-marijuana-bill">https://www.ksl.com/?nid=1016&sid=38410896&title=mormon-church-comes-out-against-utah-medical-marijuana-bill</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-42099195619976662202016-02-01T12:20:00.002-08:002016-02-18T10:45:55.440-08:00Utah's Steve Urquhart Proposes Hate-Crime Bill<iframe height="320" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1454118881-317290251.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1454118881-317290251.jpg&width=640&" width="580"></iframe>
<br />
As a follow up to the monumental Utah bill that compromised anti-discrimination for LGBT people and free-speech protections for the religious, Sen. Steve Urquhart, a St. George Republican, thinks that a bill outlining punishments for crimes committed non-personally to a demographic, especially for religious convictions or being LGBT, should be a logical follow up. Urquhart was a key player in drafting and passing the bill last year that attempted to balance the religious resistance to LGBT acceptance in Utah, and the LGBT protection from that resistance.<br />
<br />
Utah Governor Herbert and anti-LGBT institute director Bill Duncan don't believe this legislation is necessary, and even think there should be more language to protect the anti-gay sentiments of religious people.<br />
<br />
Neither party is fully happy with the SB296 bill of last year. But when both sides got just a little bit more protection, it was considered a political success. LGBT supporters still believe that speech against their lifestyles is hate-speech. They wish to participate in or patronize businesses or groups of their choosing without the fear of being discriminated for being gay or having to hear words that put them down. Religious activists want to have private businesses that refuse working with customers that are asking for services that appear to "violate the business owner's conscience". They also wish to be protected in public from punishment for expressing their distaste for same-sex couples, gay marriage, or any LGBT person.<br />
<br />
The fight for religious tradition vs. equal protection for LGBT people will be a long one, especially in conservative places like Utah.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38322641&nid=757">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38322641&nid=757</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-53748818206126242402016-02-01T11:57:00.001-08:002016-02-18T10:46:07.999-08:00Utah Bill Drafted to Prefer Heterosexual Adoptions<img height="320" src="https://img.ksl.com/slc/2490/249050/24905071.jpg" width="580" />
<br />
<br />
Republican Kraig Powell of Heber City is drafting a bill that would require judges to prefer placing children in state custody to a heterosexual couple. Basing his bill on "tradition", Powell is deciding whether to push heterosexual couples at the bottom of the waiting list, or ensuring that a hetersexual couple was sought before offering the adoption to a same-sex couple.<br />
<br />
Gay rights activists call this a clear violation of equal protection and fully unconstitutional. Most certainly a result of religious convictions, supporters of such legislation claim that there are gender roles that cannot be mutable--that children "deserve the right to a mother and father". But such a "right" was not outlined in the SCOTUS decision that all legally married couples, including same-sex couples, shall have the same rights and privileges without prejudice.<br />
<br />
There is no viable evidence to prove that heterosexual couples and parents are better for children. There is history that heterosexuals can both be wonderful and terrible to children. There is not much history of same-sex marriages interacting with society and rearing children to make any blanket statement of one being "better" than another.<br />
<br />
What we do know is that both couples are legal in the US and should be treated equally. Same-sex parents often wait great amounts of time and pay large sums to surrogate, foster, or adopt children--often fighting the legal complications before their marriage was legal. With so many hoops to jump through, it is hard to believe that homosexual parents would go to all that effort just to be abusive, neglectful, and not loving to the children. A heterosexual couple can create children without any legal intervention, marriage, preparation, monetary ability, or proof of parental capabilities. Without any of these, it seems much more likely of a poor parenting situation within a heterosexual couple.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ksl.com/?sid=38320024&nid=757">https://www.ksl.com/?sid=38320024&nid=757</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-28271523220940716612016-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:002016-01-13T18:07:20.902-08:00Alabama CJ Fighting Same-Sex Marriage<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE7I5lcrXJA&rel=0&image=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wE7I5lcrXJA/maxresdefault.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
Nearly 7 months after the SCOTUS struck down laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, Alabama Cheif Justice Roy Moore still believes it's his state's right to deny them. Moore has been an outspoken opponent of LGBT rights and has garnered support from many anti-gay conservative groups. Although Moore stopped short of requesting officials to deny same-sex marriage licences, he claimed it their right to do so.<br />
<br />
A few counties are currently offering no marriage licences, while most are issuing licences to both opposite and same-sex couples.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38034747&nid=157">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38034747&nid=157</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-52435721956582800132016-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:002016-01-04T09:48:02.377-08:00First Gay Mayor of SLC Sworn-in Today<img height="395" src="https://img.ksl.com/slc/2579/257972/25797292.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Jackie Biskupski was elected Mayor of SLC in November 2015 with 52% of the votes. She is to be sworn in today around noon.<br />
<br />
Utahns have buzzed about her being the first elected gay Mayor in Utah, most in disgruntled voices. Since the outlawing of SSM bans in the US last year, and the enactment of numerous anti-discrimination laws, conservative states like Utah have dragged their feet in recognizing the equality of gay people and gay marriage. Having lost their ability to disallow it, hearing more news of gay people gets the religious right in a tissy-fit.<br />
<br />
Biskupski has only lightly mentioned furthering LGBT equality. Most of her platform is focused on wealth distribution for taxes and schools, particularly in the poorer parts of the city. The media can only outline that she is a gay person. Her primary goals reflect the needs of the city, giving the media little room to paint her as one with an LGBT agenda.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ksl.com/?sid=38002640&nid=148&title=salt-lake-citys-new-mayor-to-be-sworn-in-monday&s_cid=queue-8">https://www.ksl.com/?sid=38002640&nid=148&title=salt-lake-citys-new-mayor-to-be-sworn-in-monday&s_cid=queue-8</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-7088880266154399042015-12-30T13:44:00.002-08:002015-12-30T13:44:37.543-08:00FDA Permits 1-Year Celibate Homosexuals to Donate Blood<img src="http://img.ksl.com/slc/2578/257882/25788292.jpg" height="426" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Since the AIDs crisis in 1983, the FDA banned men who have had sex with men from ever donating blood for life--until now.<br />
<br />
Although the percentage of homosexuals that have contracted HIV is greater than heterosexuals, LGBT activists are still claiming that the policy is unfair and stigmatized. From a health and science perspective, experts are saying that the 1-year policy is enough time to know if a gay person has contracted HIV and whether he is eligible to provide healthy blood.<br />
<br />
The arguments that heterosexuals also have come in contact with HIV, use/share infected needles for drugs, and/or have high numbers of sexual partners are not enough for policy makers to accept blood in a fashion that does not stigmatize gay and bisexual men. Such options are claimed to be expensive, and financially unethical. The celibacy period is the best option at this point to allow gay and bisexual men to donate without increasing the spread of HIV. As science and treatments progress, there is hope to eradicate HIV risk and potentially remove policies that exclude gay men.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37858339&nid=157">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37858339&nid=157</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-27557081057903434382015-12-11T10:30:00.001-08:002015-12-11T10:30:10.399-08:00SLC Mayor-Elect Biskupski Meets with LDS Leaders<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1449797566-256871272.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1449797566-256871272.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
The elected SLC Mayor is wasting no time meeting with the most influential groups in the city to get things done. She already asked almost all the city department heads to resign for a review. Now she is discussing city issues with LDS leaders.<br />
<br />
Although LGBT issues were not discussed during the meeting, Biskupski left a letter to Mr. Christofferson, LDS apostle, addressing her (and other citizens) private concerns about the anti-gay policies recently released.<br />
<br />
Biskupski is already tickling me to death. She is jumping in head first by choosing the best heads of departments (in terms of who will work with her and get things done), she is meeting with the looming conservative power in the city as a democrat, and she is sensitively representing the thoughts of the city's citizens.<br />
<br />
I find it extremely wise of her to not focus on the anti-gay church policies in the meeting, as they are not relevant to city policy. But noting that she is putting in a private word to express her constituents' concerns shows she is doing what she can.<br />
<br />
The church's policies leak into secular activities because of it's huge influence. Honestly, I think the anti-polygamy policies are just as hurtful. The argument, "we are also bad to group A, so it makes sense to be bad to group B" isn't a great one.<br />
<br />
When people here say that "it is a sin and that will not change", remember that what is sin in the LDS world does change. IE: blacks, polygamy, alcohol... etc. The constancy in the LDS church doesn't really exist.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37713547&nid=757">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37713547&nid=757</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-90483185541674202792015-11-15T14:58:00.005-08:002015-11-15T14:58:45.352-08:00Mass Resignation from LDS Church<img src="http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/contentimage/1624176/1624176.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
In an organized protest Saturday, thousands of people marched around temple square, signed papers prepared by a local attorney, and mailed their resignations from the LDS Church, demanding that their names be removed from the records of the Church.<br />
<br />
Although the large majority of the resignations (known from Facebook polls) were already inactive or non-believing Mormons, the number of members reported by the church would still be affected. That is granted that the church membership records truly do deduct these resignations from their reports.<br />
<br />
Church leaders and PR reps state that this is a minor resignation event, and the number of the church are still growing, higher that ever. What the LDS church does not report is the number of recent baptisms that go inactive soon after joining. One only needs to look at the number of stakes and wards to truly determine the growth of the church. A certain amount of "priesthood holders" is needed for each unit. In addition, a count of attending members each week is the main factor in deciding whether a new unit need be split, dissolved, or added.<br />
<br />
Although the church membership appears to grow, the number of growing units does not match up. See the link below:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ldsstatistics.com/">http://ldsstatistics.com/</a><br />
<br />
This is only one event, whereas several individuals across the US are resigning as a result of the newest policies and the facts released by the church and others that don't match its teachings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865641568/Activists-mostly-inactive-Mormons-resign-from-LDS-Church-at-SLC-event.html">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865641568/Activists-mostly-inactive-Mormons-resign-from-LDS-Church-at-SLC-event.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-15876601617651954482015-11-12T09:59:00.002-08:002015-11-12T10:16:32.257-08:00Same-Sex Foster Couple Stripped of Child by Judge<img class="img-responsive" src="http://www.sltrib.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=lM119LNr20It6cWS$CPJJ8$daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYu$zG$iFOTpYrmc25GYHEWrWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF$9l$4uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" height="580" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Beckie Pierce and April Hoagland of Carbon County, Utah, have been ordered by Utah's Juvenile Judge Scott Johansen. Johansen stated that the 1-year-old girl would be better off with heterosexual parents. This same judge ordered a teen's hair be chopped off for cutting a small girl's hair in a restaurant.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite the biological mother's wish that the two women foster and adopt the girl, and their disagreement with the court order, the foster agencies are working to comply with the Judge. The mothers are devastated. The are already raising Pierce's two biological teenage children, and have stated that the little girl has joined the family seamlessly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LGBT rights activists are enraged that one ultra-conservative judge is tearing apart this family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/3165669-155/carbon-county-judge-orders-same-sex-couple?fullpage=1">http://www.sltrib.com/home/3165669-155/carbon-county-judge-orders-same-sex-couple?fullpage=1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37325894&nid=148&title=judge-orders-1-year-old-foster-child-be-removed-from-gay-couples-custody&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37325894&nid=148&title=judge-orders-1-year-old-foster-child-be-removed-from-gay-couples-custody&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-16621751846298721102015-11-10T10:38:00.001-08:002015-11-12T09:42:43.014-08:00<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1447046661-1637231429.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1447046661-1637231429.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe>
In protest to the LDS policies in place last week, a group held a protest at Temple Square, and a candlelight vigil at Pioneer Park. These supporters of LGBT rights and equality are upset with the hateful message the policies represent. Same-sex parents are enraged with the attack on children for having committed no crime or sin.<br />
<br />
Some are calling for a repeal on the policies, and an apology from the LDS Church. Neither of which are likely anytime soon. But many are recognizing the imminent effect on gay kids in the church at risk for teasing, judging, and bullying at school, or even expulsion by parents from the home (despite the church's plea not to do so). Even if no one knew a Mormon kid was gay, the internal conflict will often rise to depression and attempts at suicide.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37284724&nid=148">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37284724&nid=148</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/3150261-155/protesters-rally-against-lds-policy-regarding">http://www.sltrib.com/home/3150261-155/protesters-rally-against-lds-policy-regarding</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-24891158569541688642015-11-10T10:18:00.000-08:002015-11-10T10:18:19.501-08:00LDS Leaders Defend New Policies<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1446873318-1139786264.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1446873318-1139786264.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe><br />
In response to the backlash, LDS leaders are staging interviews to attempt to clarify the new policies in the local leader handbooks. The policies prohibit children of same-sex parents from receiving a name and a blessing or being baptized, declare same-sex cohabitation serious transgression, and same-sex marriage a form of apostasy. Furthermore, these children must disavow their parent's relationship and never live in the same habitation.<br />
<br />
The church wishes to clarify that the policy is meant to protect children, families, and the church from creating an environment of conflict. They hope this will prevent differences between church pressure and family teachings at home.<br />
<br />
The message these policies send, however has more meaning than their declared purpose. Same-sex couples and gay people hear loud and clear that there is no bridge between Mormons and homosexuality. The pressure is heightened for people to choose their church, or a life that fulfills their natural attractions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37258228&nid=1284">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37258228&nid=1284</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-70973620871609975002015-11-06T10:30:00.004-08:002015-11-12T09:53:21.657-08:00LDS Church : Children of Same-sex Couples Excluded<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1446787080-1462954418.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1446787080-1462954418.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe><br />
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The second of two leaked policy updates for local LDS leadership, the Mormons have announced that children of married or cohabitating same-sex partners may not recieve a baby blessing and name, be baptized, or recieve any other ordinances that it provides.<br />
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Such children, whether adults or not, may not be eligible for these practices unless (1) they are of legal age--18, AND (2) they move out of the home of same-sex parents/guardians and disavow the practice of same-sex marriage/choabitation.<br />
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LDS spokespersons say these policies are to protect the home and church from conflict between what children are taught at home and what they are taught at church. Similar policies exist with children of polygamous families, they say, attempting to merit the policy.<br />
<br />
But what about children that are gay in the church? This announcement removes all hope for combining their inherent and immutable sexual feelings with their upbringing, family, and future with being a Mormon. This conflict is already prevalent, but now will worsen with more depression and teen suicides. Also consider the gay Mormons that are adults, especially those in LDS schools like BYU. They no longer have hope for a life with a same-sex spouse and children while keeping a relationship with the church.<br />
<br />
Punishing children for their parent's actions (that are only subjectively immoral by decree) is what the LDS church states is necessary.<br />
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There are already cases where gay parents sharing custody of children in the church are fearing that their children will not be able to serve missions, be baptized, ect, or even worse, are forced to reject the gay parents in order to follow their LDS plans.<br />
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The Trevor Project, as well as other suicide hotlines, saw a triple increase in calls the day after the policy was leaked. Some of these hotlines specialize in homosexuality and religion.<br />
<br />
Although the news has not reported it, there are several parents who have children that have attempted and/or been successful at suicide since the policies were made public.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37248288&nid=148&title=lds-church-underage-children-of-same-sex-couples-not-eligible-for-membership&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37248288&nid=148&title=lds-church-underage-children-of-same-sex-couples-not-eligible-for-membership&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-issues-update-on-what-is-considered-apostasy">http://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-issues-update-on-what-is-considered-apostasy</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/home/3144035-155/new-mormon-policy-would-make-apostates?fullpage=1">http://www.sltrib.com/home/3144035-155/new-mormon-policy-would-make-apostates?fullpage=1</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-7424787442570785732015-11-06T10:18:00.003-08:002015-11-06T10:18:54.554-08:00LDS Church : Entering a Same-Sex Marriage is Apostasy<img alt="LDS.jpg" height="360" src="http://kutv.com/resources/media/e638723c-2e00-4291-90d4-29e9dc049cfb-large16x9_LDS.jpg?1446773082641" title="Image: MGN" width="640" /><br />
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One of two leaked policy updates stated to local Bishops and Stake Presidents in their manuals that any member entering a same-sex marriage is engaging in apostate behavior, which means he/she is eligible for excommunication. Previously, such wedded same-sex couples may have been admitted to membership, as long as they did not engage in homosexual behaviors.<br />
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In addition, same-sex partnership cohabitations are considered "serious transgressions", also grounds for disciplinary action and excommunication.<br />
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This policy further solidifies the anti-gay teachings of the LDS church. Despite their efforts at finding middle-ground for secular policy, policies like these highlight the "two steps back" it takes each time.<br />
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<a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-issues-update-on-what-is-considered-apostasy">http://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-issues-update-on-what-is-considered-apostasy</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-89061462245157308092015-11-05T09:38:00.000-08:002015-11-05T09:38:09.575-08:00Mormons One of Highest Devout Religions<img src="http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/contentimage/1619832/1619832.jpg" height="404" width="640" /><br />
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Deseret News reported surveys that revealed Mormons to be the near-top religion for devout members.<br />
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The trend is surprisingly moreso with younger members. Overall, greater than 80% of active Mormons in almost all categories are firm with church attendence, scripture reading, prayer, certainty of God, putting all beliefs on faith, and say that the religion is the large majority of their lives.<br />
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At the bottom of the article, it notes that the approval of homosexuality in the LDS church has risen from 25% in 2007 to 36%, but only 25% approve of same-sex marriage, while 69% oppose it. Still, the numbers are higher than one might expect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865640608/Mormons-among-the-most-deeply-observant-active-and-engaged-in-faith-new-study-finds.html">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865640608/Mormons-among-the-most-deeply-observant-active-and-engaged-in-faith-new-study-finds.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-4157791866803438802015-11-04T10:31:00.000-08:002015-11-04T10:31:02.468-08:00Kentucky Clerk Attempting to Reverse Court Decisions<img src="http://img.ksl.com/slc/2574/257466/25746682.jpg" height="473" width="100px/" /><br />
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Kim Davis of Kentucky is now working with lawyers to reverse the decisions that put her in jail, put her in contempt of court, and forced her to issue licenses to same-sex couples.<br />
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Is Ms. Davis in the right to project her beliefs onto her elected and tax-payer paid position and affect the rights of other citizens?<br />
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The rage continues from the religious right, saying it is First Amendment rights being trampled when a person is jailed for their beliefs. But Davis was jailed for not fulfilling her court-ordered duties, even if the reason was religious.<br />
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Were Davis's actions a plan from early on to start a fire for a religious agenda? If she wasn't elected, she could simply be removed. But he must either resign (which she refuses) or be impeached by a vote, which isn't likely to happen in a small conservative community. The situation is very unique and brings to question whether it was orchestrated by either her or another conservative entity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37218472&nid=210&title=kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-appeals-order-that-put-her-in-jail&s_cid=queue-8">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37218472&nid=210&title=kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-appeals-order-that-put-her-in-jail&s_cid=queue-8</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319426926434095901.post-17468216047461196132015-10-28T09:56:00.002-07:002015-10-28T09:56:25.756-07:00LDS Leader Ballard Speaks at World Congress of Families<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1445992002-1165295372.mp4&image=//media.ksl.com/1445992002-1165295372.jpg&width=640&height=360" width="640"></iframe>
The World Congress of Families conference met this past weekend for the first time in the US. Considering Utah's extreme conservativism, Salt Lake was the city of choice to host it. In addition, several LDS leaders, including LDS Apostle Russell Ballard, spoke at the assemblies.<br />
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Although the words Ballard gave were the expected conservative rhetoric the LDS church always provides, Ballard also asked that kindness and civility always be the way to communicate with those who have differing opinions. He praised the legislation in Utah that protected the LGBT from public discrimination, yet also outlined and preserved the right for religious people to express their opinions against opposing lifestyles.<br />
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He mentioned an example where a school refused to warn parents about a story that was read about two princes falling in love. He called this a "diminishing of diversity" and "skewing of scales of equality". Although parents should be aware of the material their child is given, it is hardly less diverse and equal to have one story read be homosexual, where the other 300 stories they are read are heterosexual. A parent is free to remove a child from what they want to (even at the expense of the child), but having material removed for all children is really what "diminishes diversity" and "skews the scales".<br />
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LDS Doctrine begins and ends with the "natural", "nuclear" family. It warns against alternative "conterfiet" lifestyles. That has never changed. But, it has made small steps to be *more* fair in its influence in politics, and has called for civility amoung its members, condemning violence and hateful speech.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37120970&nid=148">http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37120970&nid=148</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06267873662580661160noreply@blogger.com0