Could you switch?

This post, “Queerly Yours” and all the recent discussion about Prop 8 and the evils of homosexuality has made me ponder attraction. All my life I’ve liked boys/men and I don’t have any real impetus to change that, but I do think I could like girls if I wanted to. I find some women very attractive and I think I could condition myself to think about them romantically if the circumstances were right.

However, even though I can imagine myself altering my attraction, I don’t think everyone can. Some people are clearly heterosexual or clearly homosexual. Which is why I think that equal civil rights for gays is a no-brainer and I’m disappointed by the church’s relentless campaigning for the Prop.

What about you, do you think you could go against your natural sexual inclination (whether hetero or homosexual)? Does this affect your stance on issues like Prop 8?

California Mormon Bigotry (or Prop 22 Redux)

The following letter is to be read in California Sacrament Meetings on June 29th:

Dear Brethren and Sisters:

In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people. On November 4, 2008 Californians will vote on a propsed amendment to the California state constitution that will now restore the March 2000 definition of marriage approved by the voters.

The Church’s teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between and man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage.

A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.

We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.

Sincerely Yours,

The First Presidency