Cami+B’s+Final+AmEx+2014+Speech

=Title of Speech=

Mormons and Gay Marriage =Text of Speech=

Instead of choosing a topic I could joke around with, I decided to take a more serious route. I don’t like talking about politics or any controversial issues, especially in this class, but Mr. Geib prompted us to speak about something that has been on our mind’s lately. This topic has definitely been on my mind for-- years now in fact. As most of you know, I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also commonly known as the Mormon church. I have found when I tell people that I am Mormon, some immediately jump to the conclusions that I hate gay people and that we are so strange with all of our rules and doctrine. Yes, we are very strange people, but I want to talk about the issue of gay marriage. The Mormon church strongly supports traditional marriage and that it is a sin to act on feelings of same sex attraction. We are told to be in the world, but not of the world and to be aware of the fast changes our society is making to enable gay marriage and how we should stand strong for what we believe and not support it. It’s a misunderstanding in our church, for many members who know those that experience same sex attraction believe that it is that person’s choice and although the trial may be hard, it can be overcome and you can change. In one of the articles in our church magazines, a quote read, “ People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so called “gays” and “lesbians.” My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are. We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannont stand idle if the indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so called same sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God- sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families. Another quote said about the issue of gay marriage was in talk given by a man named Neil Anderson, who is one of the top leaders in our church. He said in this past April General conference, “Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife… As the world slips away from the Lord’s law of chastity, we do not. So basically what the church says is that you can have same sex attraction, but don’t you dare act on those feelings. Umm, like what’s the point of that? I don’t understand how a church that is so loving and good and stresses the importance of loving all of God’s children can tell somebody that they are not allowed to love who they want to because God supposedly said that it was sinful. God doesn’t see our race or sexual orientation, but only has his children. Growing up in a church that doesn’t support gay marriage when I do has its negatives. In the world I want to grow up in, I want gay marriage to be accepted in the Mormon religion. There are so many kids, parents, even strong church leaders who probably have feelings of same sex attraction, but are scared of the talk and judgment from the church to be who they really are. It’s been so ingrained into our brains that this will bring shame upon our families and that we should seek help if we ever find ourselves in this situation. It makes me sad knowing that some gay Mormons are not able to live a life where they’re happy with who they are and have to hide their real selves. Because of this issue, so many Mormons have left the church that they love. People live in fear. Fear of knowing they may not be accepted. This tiny letter word that causes so many of the 15 million members of our church to live a lie. There are so many living in dark cloud of guilt, anger, depression; scared of what will happen when members of the church find out who they really are. It pains me knowing that some people choose to live a life of misery because they don’t want to leave the Mormon church and know they can only have one or the other. I mean, like what if (supposedly) i was holding back from telling all of you something so personal in my life all because once I said those words, my whole world with the church would be different? (I'm not.) It’s fear. And I don’t want to be in a church or world where fear wins. I want it to be accepted on all parts of the globe. I do have faith one day that our church will not only change and find equality within our walls, but then spread the word to other parts of our world who may still be struggling with the grasp of this idea. Our church is so great and helpful, and I am proud to be a Mormon so I never give up hope that things will change for the better. I have thought how actions of our church have impacted families and how we would feel if our families were hurt in the same way. It makes it clear that we need to build a better understanding worldwide. In the world I want to grow old in, I want those who are of my faith that disagree with the changes of society to open their eyes and hearts to the acceptance of gay marriage. I want to live in a world where gay Mormons shouldn’t have to live in fear of being who they truly are.

=Cite Your Sources= Neil L Anderson, 2014 General Conference "Spiritual Whirlwinds" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).