WSU reacts to Prop. 8 debate

The Nov. 4 election results have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Americans, but it doesn't have to do with our President-elect; it has to do with the union between a man and a woman. Proposition 8, the amendment to the California constitution restricting the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman, has caused anger and protest across the nation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has received the most criticism for supporting the proposition. Although the amendment does not affect Utah, Weber State University students and faculty members have strong opinions on the subject. Meg Braithwaite, a WSU student, said she believes the LDS church is being singled out. "There are tons of churches that contributed to it," Braithwaite said. "It's wrong to just have the minority of the LDS church being in the spotlight." The church is being targeted for its massive financial assistance from church members. Estimates claim Mormons gave more than $20 million to the support and passing of Proposition 8. The church feels this is unfair, because it is part of a coalition of churches and organizations. Protests have taken place across the country at Mormon temples; some turning hostile and violent. The church issued a statement saying it is disturbing that they are being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election. Yet, WSU students see the support as interference between church and state. "I think that if the church wants government to stay out of its business, then it should stay out of the governments' business," said Justin Williamson, a WSU student. Rollin Mitchell, a WSU communications major, believes the issue is a political one, and should stay that way. "The Mormon Church is not the reason the proposition passed," Mitchell said. "However, every religion should recognize that we as Americans value the old idea of separation between church and state." Multiple lawsuits challenging the proposition have been filed over the past two weeks, and are expected to be heard by March 2009. The lawsuits question the legality of the proposition, stating the measure was a revision rather than a more limited amendment. The battle between opponents and supporters of Proposition 8 is becoming a civil rights issue. Even though the church states it isn't targeting any specific group, many opponents see religious influence impeding civil rights. WSU Professor Mark Merkley, instructor in the communications department, said he is disappointed religion is interfering with the right for gay marriage. "It's unfortunate that we can't separate that part of religion from the state concept of civil rights for people," Merkley said. The March trials can be part of a larger history of court cases between religion and secular issues. The 1925 Scopes vs. State trial, also known as the Scopes Monkey Trail, took place in Dayton, Tennessee. The case questioned the concept of teaching evolution in schools. The state's constitution banned the subject from being taught in schools, and this trial was part of the larger debate of evolution in society. Religious views played a dominant role in this subject. Opponents to evolution believed humankind came from Adam and Eve, not monkeys. It was one case in a larger cultural view on traditional values. One of the most popular court decisions, Roe vs. Wade in 1973, has been one of the most controversial decisions in American history. In the decision, all state and federal laws banning or restricting abortion were overturned. The court ruled that most laws against abortion went against the right of privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment. The ruling stands as controversial, because of beliefs regarding life's beginning. Opponents of abortion during the trial believed life begins at the moment of conception, and any abortion is considered murder. While all pro-life advocates aren't necessarily religious, generally, religious views follow pro-life sentiment. This appears to be the same sentiment concerning same-sex marriage. The California Supreme Court must hear all cases, and decide before any lawsuits go further. Supporters of Proposition 8 believe the decision will be upheld, as historically most cases have been upheld after hearing court cases. The issue continues to be a hot debate. With the court cases being a few months away, the argument doesn't appear to be losing steam. While the country celebrated historical progress with the election of Barack Obama, a new civil rights movement may be taking place, hoping to capitalize on a sentiment of change and progress.