On Wednesday, the First Presidency of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crossed an important line. It issued a statement endorsing an amendment to the United States Constitution that would prevent gays and lesbians from marrying. As on only a few occasions before, the only body authorized to state official church policy jettisoned its usual stance of political neutrality, this time to advance a social and political agenda at the national level, in order to preserve marriage.

Preserve marriage from what? From loving couples who wish to make a mutual lifelong commitment? From potential millions of new two-parent homes?

In promoting the rescue of marriage — which, in the hands of its traditional participants, is decidedly in need of rescue — the church is pressing further an assault on human rights and human dignity. It is a hurtful and destructive message.

Michael Owen

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Salt Lake City

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