Please Defend DOMA, Marriage, and Religious Freedom

Recently, marriage, the union of one man and one woman, and the free exercise of religion, have come under even greater attack than usual.

Marriage

You may be aware that President Obama has recently set aside his constitutional duties to uphold the laws of the land.  Specifically, he has abandoned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  President Obama says the law (which simply codified the then universal definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman) is likely unconstitutional and has refused to defend it against legal attack.

For a little background, DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, after a 342-67 vote in the House and 85-14 vote in the Senate.  Or, in other words, 83.62% of the House and 85% of the Senate voted in favor of the legislation.

Now, DOMA is facing attacks in the courts and in Congress.  Are your elected representatives standing up for what has always been, until recently, the universal definition of marriage?  Please find out and take corresponding action by clicking on the Defend DOMA button, to the right.

Religious Freedom

I previously posted to inform you that Apple had caved into demands to remove the Manhattan Declaration app from its app store.  The Manhattan Declaration proclaims a belief in Life, Marriage, and Religious Freedom.

I write now to inform you that Apple has recently caved into similar demands to remove an app produced by Exodus International.

Exodus International is an organization which assists individuals seeking help to overcome same-gender attraction.  The group proclaims "Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ" and recognizes that while participants may overcome homosexual behavior, they may still struggle with same-sex attractions.

As I have done before, I want to reconfirm (rather than cover-up or deny) that I have a brother who views himself as homosexual whom I love very much and whom I refuse to disown or cast aside for his decision.

Regarding the apps, I understand both received a 4+ rating from Apple, meaning they were viewed by Apple as free from objectionable material.

You may be far from surprised that some denounced these apps as "hateful" and "bigoted."  I am sad that a number of individuals seem unable (or simply refuse) to differentiate between homosexual behavior and self-proclaimed homosexual individuals, themselves.  I prefer to recognize people as children of God, rather than label us according to our specific tendencies, appetites, or behaviors.

I am deeply concerned that what we once considered a flourishing market place of ideas may be quickly mutating into a curated garden of politically correct ideology.  "Freedom from Religion," anyone?

Yes, Apple is far from being the U.S. government.  On the other hand, there are many who adamantly push to force God and freedom of religion out of the public sphere and into the uncontroversial shadows of freedom of worship.  There are many who long to silence any voices who disagree with or offend them.

If we ever lose the right to express our ideas, I greatly fear the dark days that would follow.

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 [including nothing at all].  (LDS Article of Faith # 11.)

Please sign the Manhattan Declaration (at right) and support freedom of religion in whatever respectful way you can.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."  Edmund Burke.