It's easy to play the game of Telephone on social media--details get lost all the time. But I went back and watched the original interview so I could not only hear his original words, but also hear his voice inflection and see his facial expressions.
The interview was about the SBO296 anti-discrimination law passed in Utah. This law was set up to protect the rights of those who want to practice gay marriage as well as those businesses and organizations that are opposed. It's clear that he and other church leaders are very excited about this law. They're excited, I believe, because it affirms the 11th article of faith which states, "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may." They are truly excited that the LGTB community now has equal rights, but they are also rejoicing because, due to this law, the rights of the Church are not being inflicted upon.
However, being excited about the law, and having love and respect toward the LGTB community, did not change his position that doctrinally, gay marriage is contrary to the Plan of Salvation and the commandments of God. The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, "We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unity of society." From the opinions that I've read so far from LDS members, we seem to come across as condescending toward or supportive of gay marriage. Many of the opinions I've read have been wishy-washy, probably because members want to stand up for their beliefs without being condescending, which can be challenging. I believe the trick lies in focusing on what you believe to be right vs. what you believe to be wrong.
In other words, I feel it is the responsibility of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints NOT to bash on gay marriage, but to uphold and voice God's standard of what we believe to be right and true. Do you see the difference?
I am not very knowledgeable about homosexuality in general and I have some, but not a lot, of homosexual friends. So my views are limited. However, I am extremely knowledgeable about the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. So I can safely say the following:
That I believe gender is an eternal characteristic, existing as part of us before we were born and will continue with us into the eternities. I believe that the purpose of this life is to give us the opportunity to gain immortality and eternal life. This requires a physical body and also knowledge about how to return to our Heavenly Father--thus God established the family. Marriage between man and woman is divinely designed to provide bodies for those spirits waiting to come to earth, and teaching and learning opportunities about essential gospel truths.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World also states that "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." Because gender is eternal, and not a "luck of the draw" when we come to earth, each gender has innate qualities essential to the learning and growth of children. (There are single parent exceptions, but that is a whole 'nother blog post...) Gay marriage is seen as an offense toward God because it inhibits His eternal purpose.
I am happy that homosexuals now have equal rights. However, I do stand firm and open about my beliefs: that marriage between a man and a woman is divinely appointed by God.
Does the legalization of gay marriage worry me for the future of my children and their testimonies?
Not in the least. I am glad that they will grow up respecting those who are different from them, and loving those who don't believe as they do. My parents never taught me that the reason drugs were bad were because they were illegal, neither would I have ever taught my daughter that gay marriage was wrong because it was illegal. I will teach her what's right, and what's true and the reasons behind it all. And hopefully she will feel the love and spirit enough in our home to be able to combat the confusing tidal wave of opinions she will face out in the world and online.
I will not add to her confusion by being wishy-washy with my opinion or testimony, neither do I think we should be wishy-washy on facebook or social media.
