Ex-Mormons held to Double Standard against Active Mormons

By Brig Bagley

A recent article outlines the double standard Ex-Mormons are held to when it comes to sharing their beliefs. The article first praises another article, "When the Saints go Marching Out," which is an explanation of the massive exodus from the LDS church for various reasons. Then a response article, "When the Saints go Marching Out-of-Control," which criticizes the first article and mentions the phrase that Ex-Mormons "Leave the Church, but cannot leave it alone."

Why is it that Mormons shut down when someone tries to share beliefs, or truths that conflict with the Mormon Doctrine? Mormons--from as early as Primary--are taught to share their beliefs with others around them. 18-19 year old teens are even expected to serve missions for 2 years in a strange place to "declare the gospel to the world". Missionary efforts are 1 of the 3 missions of the church. Converts are expected to bring their friends and families into the church. But why is it that when one person comes and tries to explain a truth, a contradiction to the LDS faith, that the Mormon turns a cold shoulder and immediately rejects it?

This double standard is all too real, yet often missed, since Ex-Mormons often feel guilty for trying to "ruin" the beliefs of the active Mormon. But whatever an Ex-Mormon believes, there must have been a very compelling reason for them to leave the church, often a doctrinal issue. This truth rang so strong with the Ex-Mormon that he/she decided to alienate him/herself from friends and family just to follow what he/she found to be true. How is that any different from a convert joining the LDS church? Is a convert no also often leaving friends and family to follow their new-found belief? Yet it is noble for the convert to the church to proselyte, and disrespectful for an Ex-Mormon to explain their beliefs to convert the Mormon away from the LDS church.

This is just another example of how the LDS church culture places its beliefs (using the privilege of religious freedom) above and in front of any other argument as what is "best" for society as a whole. The LDS institution does uphold some great beliefs and standards, but most of these can be found in other religions, and even in non-religious people. 

Read the article here:  http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/hollywelker/7559/ex_mormons_shouldn_t_proselytize_mormons__really___/

News Reporter Responds Admirably to NFL Candidate Coming out as Gay

By Brig Bagley

13 February 2014

This clip surprises many as the reporter announces the coming out of a football player hoping to be drafted in to the NFL. He explains how backwards it is when people are uncomfortable with a gay man in the men's locker room, but fine with people who have done terrible things--as long as they are still manly.  

This reporter's opinion (from a conservative state nonetheless) should be a shining example of how society can break the fear of the unknown, appreciate the differences in others, and focus on what is most important.

Is there anything wrong with a man who loves another man? What is his crime?

Kentucky now Recognizes Same-Sex Marriages Performed in other States

By Brig Bagley

12 February 2014

Just today, a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional to deny same-sex marriages recognition in the state. Although same-sex marriages cannot be performed in the state, they are now recognized as legitimate if performed in another state.

"Ruling in a suit brought by four gay and lesbian couples, [the federal judge] said that while 'religious beliefs ... are vital to the fabric of society ... assigning a religious or traditional rationale for a law does not make it constitutional when that law discriminates against a class of people without other reasons.' "

The judge points out that the US Supreme Court has refused to allow tradition to be a valid argument in supporting any marriage related laws, whether voted on by a majority, or signed in by congressmen. He also says there is no requirement that heterosexual couples agree to procreate in order to marry, so defending traditional marriage as a protection to procreate is invalid. 

Those unhappy with the ruling argue that Kentucky citizens' votes won't count against the "political ideologies of liberal judges". 

Even so, US constitution Amendment 14 is in place so that no majority can vote out the rights, freedoms, and opportunities of any minority.

Read more here: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20140212/NEWS10/302120050/Kentucky-ban-gay-marriages-from-other-states-struck-down-by-federal-judge 

Mormons and Gays dot com

By Brig Bagley

12 February 2014

If you didn't already know, since the pressure of legalizing gay marriage in the US has become a daily issue, the LDS Church has put together a website explaining the church's position and interactions with those who "struggle with same-sex attraction".  The site says nothing new to what active members have been taught, except the fact that gay and lesbian people should be treated with love and respect just like any other. LGBT members that adhere to church principles and do not engage in homosexual activities have the same opportunities and blessings as other members.

Except they don't. 

The pinnacle of Mormon life is marriage in a temple and eternal families with children and the promise of "eternal increase", or being able to create children in Heaven after death for eternity. The Church no longer prescribes heterosexual marriage as a "panacea" to same-sex attraction, but states that it has worked for some, and been disastrous for others. The individual must choose what would be best for them. 

But how does a gay Mormon know what is best? If he/she chooses to marry heterosexually, there runs the risk of never being happy with their spouse, usually resulting in divorce and a broken (or at least unstable) family. If he/she decides to remain single, never engaging in ANY sexual activity (because it's immoral outside a heterosexual marriage, even masturbation), the person becomes stuck in the Mormon cycle of preparing for marriage and family that will never happen (except for the hope of a family after they die). If marriage is not an option, the only other option (aside from suicide, which unfortunately, many resort to) is to remain celibate for life. 

On mormonsandgays.org, there are a number of stories of members who have struggled with "SSA" and found happiness and hope in the gospel that they can be just as happy as the straight members of the church, as long as they are "steadfast and endure to the end". 

Although many are convinced that this is the righteous path they must follow, what is not fairly depicted on the site are those who doubt the institution as a whole for not having an explanation, nor a reasonable solution for those that do not fit in the typical Plan of Salvation. If active gay Mormons are truly happy living a celibate or heterosexual life, they are a rare exception to the vast majority of LGBT people that have escaped the LDS lifestyle.  

No matter how accepting the LDS church is of LGBT people, as long as they restrict the family possibilities of same-sex couples in order to be in full fellowship, they will be an unhealthy institution for them to be a part of.  

In all fairness, the site itself is a positive step for the LDS church.  It is, however, an easy way out to avoid bad press and puts on the image of acceptance. It is inevitable that same-sex marriages will be acceptable and lawful throughout the country and even the world within a few short years. As long as the LDS church clutches to its tradition, it will again experience drops in activity. Just like the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement will impose social pressure for change in the Church. It will either have to make that change as it did with blacks and the priesthood, or suffer some sort of collapse.

Striking Down of DOMA has started Unprecedented Court Rulings against Same-Sex Marriage Bans: Utah, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Nevada

By Brig Bagley

11 February 2014

Just this past month, another Federal Judge has ruled a state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Oklahoma was the subject of this ruling, following cases heard for New Jersey, New Mexico, and Utah.   The decision was stayed, however, expecting an appeal to the decision. For now, no same-sex marriage licenses will be issued in Oklahoma, but couples are expectant. It is likely that the Utah case will reach the Supreme Court sooner, since the licenses issued in Utah expedited the court process in order to resolve concerns over said licenses. 

Most recently, officials in Nevada have made it clear that there will be no more fighting against same-sex marriage, which will fare well in its legalization in court cases to come.  

Following the Defense Against Marriage strike-down by the US Supreme Court, lower federal courts have received several cases fighting same-sex marriage bans as a result of the ruling. This is what many are calling the Gay Rights Movement, which began back in 2008 with Proposition 8 in California.  Many other states have voted in or passed legalization of same-sex marriage, with many more expected to follow. Indiana is an exception, being the only state to recently ban same-sex marriage.

For Oklahoma, read more here: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/us/federal-judge-rejects-oklahomas-gay-marriage-ban.html?_r=0

For Nevada, read more here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nevada-ag-ends-fight-uphold-gay-marriage-ban-22454078

For Indiana, read more here: http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-same-sex-marriage-roundup-20140210,0,4520838.story#axzz2t26GMh00

Religious Defense of Marriage Continues; Explained

By Brig Bagley

11 February 2014

The topic is being beat to death, so I'll try to keep my comments and summaries fresh and new.

A number of groups, especially religions, have bonded together to defend their beliefs of traditional marriage and explain their views in their briefs to the Utah same-sex marriage case. Finding it offensive that their stance is labelled as bigotry, they argue that it is not about gay rights, it's about marriage.

"Briefs also argue that only a man and a woman can bear children and traditional marriage is the best environment to rear them. Some of the briefs contend that gay and lesbian people are not a protected class, and that sexual orientation isn't solely biological and can change over time."

One Salt Lake City attorney, Frank Mylar, says the redefinition of marriage turns makes it not a marriage at all:

"For example, a court could determine that orange juice can include juice made solely with potatoes, but it would have created something else by doing so. That marriage is composed of a man and a woman is as inseparable from the word marriage as orange juice is inseparable from oranges."

Judge Shelby issued his ruling that Amendment 3 was unconstitutional because it violates equal protection and due process under the law.  He agrees that marriage laws should be state governed, but a majority rule cannot strip fundamental rights from sub-class citizens.  Shelby said that "the purpose and effect of Amendment 3 is to deny the benefits and responsibilities of marriage to same-sex couples, 'which is another way of saying that the law imposes inequality.' "

The plaintiffs (supporters of same-sex marriage) have until February 25 to file their response to the State's brief. Many other supporters are expected to file briefs to the 10th Circuit Court in Denver as well.

Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=28675167#AzrCcCVHxb1CKaV9.99

A Program is provided to help Homeless LGBT Minors

By Brig Bagley

10 February 2014

Recent political affairs have increased the rate at which minors are thrown out of their homes for being gay or transgender. Safe and Sound summarizes the problem:

"It’s estimated that about 5000 unaccompanied youth experience homelessness in Utah each year, with 30% of those experiencing homelessness for more than one year. Of this population, national statistics show 40% self-identify as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender), and almost 70% of those report being rejected by their families, often with them being kicked out of their homes. The percentage that are actually LGBT could be considerably higher."

In hopes to help these homeless children, this program is looking for people to join in a safe way for kids to get extra help. The details are on the program's page. If you are interested in helping, please visit this page and see if you can help.

Visit here: http://safeandsoundutah.org/