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Affirmation Contests Proposition 8 Amicus Brief Filed by LDS Church
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Mormons Challenges LDS Church on Landmark Civil Rights Case

Salt Lake City – February 4, 2013 – Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, the leading international organization for gay and lesbian Mormons, today presented its perspective on the Amicus Curiae brief filed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Church to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Proposition 8. Affirmation is also requesting clarification from LDS church officials on whether same-sex couples with or without children will be welcomed within congregations of the Mormon Church.

In contrast to the brief filed by the LDS Church, which hinges on the belief that a family can be only composed of a man, a woman and their children, Affirmation's membership includes many same-sex couples, including couples who are providing foster care for children, have adopted children, or who are raising their own biological children. Affirmation firmly believes that these families deserve the same treatment, and the same legal and societal protection as opposite-sex couples and their children.

In 2008, the LDS Church more actively participated to pass California’s Proposition 8 than it had on any other political issue in the past. LDS officials urged members to become involved with the cause, who then contributed as much as half of the $40 million raised and up to 90 percent of the initial volunteer force to support the ballot measure.

Since then, the Church has lessened its involvement in ballot initiatives involving marriage equality, assisted in passing a housing and employment non-discrimination act in Salt Lake City and launched MormonsAndGays.org, an official website encouraging church membership to reach out and love “all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.”

Unfortunately, for many gay Mormons, their families, and fellow LDS Church members, the filing of the amicus brief calls into question the more inclusive tone and efforts the LDS church has made to address the needs of its LGBT members the past four years. The Church argues that marriage as an institution to bind parents to children is a public good that should be recognized and supported by the state, ignoring the fact that LGBT couples with children provide similar public good and deserve the same recognition and support from the state.

“I agree that churches should have the freedom to petition the government and that Proposition 8 should not be invalidated due to religious support of the initiative,” said Affirmation President Randall Thacker. “However, we believe Proposition 8 should be invalidated on the grounds that it denies protections to same-sex couples who have committed to care and provide for each other and their children, a grouping that is clearly defined as a family by the majority of society.”

Spencer Clark, President of Mormons for Marriage Equality and straight ally adds his voice stating, “I agree with the Church that the law should promote strong families and stable environments for the raising of children. Unfortunately, Proposition 8 provides no additional benefits to straight couples while denying substantial benefits and legitimacy to gay and lesbian couples who are also raising children. The brief argues for a conception of marriage that blatantly ignores the hundreds of thousands of children in the United States being raised by same-sex couples, pretending that these loving families don’t exist.

“I personally know and admire many loving gay families and find it unconscionable for them to be treated any differently under the law than I myself would like to be treated, and I invite everyone to get to know some of these families, who are our neighbors and fellow citizens.”

Affirmation advocates for LGBT Mormons, including those who are married, in a civil union or partnered with a member of their same sex. The organization firmly believes that marriage equality strengthens the institution of the family and that gay couples and their children deserve every societal and legal protection afforded to straight couples. Visit www.affirmation.org to learn more about the organization and read stories about the significance marriage means to gay couples and their families.

About Affirmation

Affirmation‘s mission is to provide a safe space where LGBT individuals, as well as those questioning (Q) their orientation, can associate with like individuals, ask questions, and know that they are not alone. We support LGBTQ people and their families in their efforts to live spiritual and productive lives within the context of their Mormon faith or heritage.

Press contact:
David Baker
Communications Director, Affirmation
202.713.9801
press@affirmation.org