Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Over 3,000 Protest at Temple Square
“Mormons Once Persecuted... Now Persecutors”

From a story in The Salt Lake Tribune
November 2008

Opponents of a measure that banned gay marriage in California took their outrage to the spiritual hub of Mormonism on Friday. More than 3,000 people swarmed downtown Salt Lake City to march past the LDS temple and church headquarters, protesting Mormon involvement in the campaign for California's Proposition 8. The measure, which defined marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, passed this week.

A sea of signs in City Creek Park, where the march began, screamed out messages including, “I didn't vote on your marriage,” “Mormons once persecuted... Now persecutors,” and “Jesus said love everyone.” Others read, “Proud of my two moms” and “Protect traditional marriage. Ban divorce.”

The masses headed west, weaving between cars, waving at those who watched from windows in the LDS Church Office Building and shouting chants such as: “What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now!”

Across the street on North Temple, a group of about 50 - the majority not LDS members - defended the church's support of the successful ballot measure. “The people voted,” they shouted at the protesters. “YOU are intolerant!” Others screamed: “Marriage is between a man and woman. You'll never be a man and woman!”

Some marchers offered heated arguments to the counterprotesters, others responded by kissing their partners. The romantic moments were greeted with cheers.

Tonight's demonstration in Salt Lake City followed a similar protest Thursday at the LDS Temple in Westwood, Calif., near Los Angeles. Now several national gay activists have proposed boycotting Utah and challenging the LDS Church's tax exempt status.

Morgan Smith of Salt Lake City, who identified himself as an active Mormon, hopes the attention will encourage Mormon officials “to show greater love for its gay and lesbian members.”

Some said this swell in Salt Lake City wasn't just about a proposition two states over.

“We've been quiet for a really long time,” said Jen Bogart, 24, who marched beside her girlfriend, with the Salt Lake Temple lit up to her left. “If the gays and lesbians in Utah can march in the streets, the gays and lesbians everywhere can march.”

Doyle Clayburn, 57, said he wanted Utahns to wake up to reality. “There's not just one or two who care,” he said. “It's not a California issue. It's a human issue.”