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Petition Home Page
Below are links to church history and
personal stories of those who have experienced the pain that
comes from endeavoring to change their sexual orientation in
order to comply with church teachings and policy.
Personal stories,
Rocky, Drew, Val & Ray
Gay & Lesbian Member Suicide List
We Can Change History For Gay LDS
Lifetime
Celibacy or Excommunication
Policy
The Etiology of
Homosexuality from Authoritative Latter-day Saint Perspectives,
1879-2006
A Revised
History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980
Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics
Mormons for Marriage
supports marriage equality for all, and stands in respectful
opposition to California Proposition 8.
Mormon Politics & Member Opinion
ABC News- Gay Mormons Face Excommunication
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Foundation for
Reconciliation
A Call for
Tolerance and Love
I am Linda Stay, Mormon mother of two gay
children, of whom I am very proud! As I watched these two grow up
and develop their personalities, it was very clear that they didn’t
fit the typical stereo type of a masculine tough boy, or a barbie
doll carrying little girl. They were unique in their own ways. As
little children, there is no way you can convince me that they
“chose” to be different or that there was any evil temptation
influencing them. They came from heaven just the way they are. Did
God make a mistake? I think not. Anymore than someone born with Down
Syndrome is a mistake. They have a role and a purpose and things to
learn and teach the rest of us, as we all do. As I have watched them
be rejected and shunned, ignored and invisible to so many they love
and were close to, it is ludicrous to believe they “chose” this
“lifestyle” any more than I chose to be heterosexual.
It saddens me as I witness the opposition to
the equal rights of gays and lesbians to marry and commit to each
other. I am saddened that the church that once held the ultimate
light of truth in my eyes, could be so quick to enlist and encourage
its congregations to rally in judgment, bigotry and disdain for the
civil rights of humans in our present day. I am appalled at their
use of fear tactics to influence its members and stooping to the
same devices that our politicians use to manipulate. I am shocked by
the antiquated attitudes of so many and clearly cannot believe that
this is what a loving God would condone or inspire anyone to do. I
believed that the LDS church held the family to be of utmost
importance, yet I watch families being pulled apart, divided and
separated over this issue of the right for homosexuals to commit in
marriage to each other and have the same civil rights. What happened
to the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” which teaches love unconditional?
My son Tyler was able to be married to his
love and partner, Spencer, on June 17, 2008 in San Francisco. The
video below has clips of that union which were captured on the news.
As you watch, I cannot understand how anyone could read some
negative “gay agenda” designed to destroy the sanctity of marriage.
It is purely the joy of two people in love committing devotion and
respect to each other. How is that a sin? How does that threaten my
temple marriage? Quite the opposite….it strengthens and inspires me
to the same level of love and commitment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5YHrSCsdvg&feature=related
My hope is that each of us will release the
“fight” and find the acceptance to let everyone worship and vote
according to the dictates of their own heart. I pray that we teach
more love, tolerance, peace and acceptance and less judgment,
bigotry and indignation. Respect and protect the civil rights of all
human beings regardless of race, gender, religious affiliation, or
class. It really is that simple……
There are a couple of sites that maybe of
interest to you if you align yourself with the issue of protecting
civil rights to all. Please take the time to let yourself be heard.
Do what you can in good conscience to help.
With love,
Linda
Linda W Stay, St. George, Utah,
September, 2009
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Please take time to read this petition, as well as read the stories and
links provided, and pass this information on to your friends and
link to us if you have a website or blog.
By
doing so, you will be sending a message to the leaders of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that it is time for
reconciliation between the Church and its gay and lesbian members.
More importantly, you will be showing support for those who have
been hurt by Church policies and practices because of their sexual
orientation.
"Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens and
young adults have one of the highest rates of suicide attempts — and
some other health and mental health problems, including substance
abuse. A new study suggests that parental acceptance, and even
neutrality, with regard to a child's sexual orientation could have a
big impact in reducing this rate."-NPR, All
Things Considered, December 29, 2008
"I
implore the students at BYU to re-assess their homophobic feelings,"
wrote Stuart Matis in The Daily Universe
shortly before
committing suicide. "Seek to understand first before you make
comments. We have the same needs as you. We desire to love and be
loved. We desire to live our lives with happiness. We are not a
threat to you or your families."
"Utah’s overall suicide rate is the 10th highest in the nation.
Unfortunately, it is the leading cause of death for Utah males ages
15 to 19, who die at a rate nearly double the national average. It
is the leading cause of death for adolescent males in Utah."-KUED.org
Voices of Hope Discussion Guide
"Thank
you,
Carol Lynn Pearson,
for reminding us that the task of any religion is to teach us whom
we're required to love, not whom we're entitled to hate." - Rabbi
Harold Kushner
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