A Letter to the Governor

In light of the persecution of the churches (particularly the LDS church) and Governor Schwarzenegger's open denouncement of Prop 8 (even though it has passed by a 52%-48% margin) and his public suggestions that the courts still overturn the measure, I wrote a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger to ask him to accept the will of the people and discourage the outright attack on the various religious groups for their support of traditional marriage. I thought I would share with you the letter I wrote to him. If you would also like to write a letter to the Governor, here is the link: http://gov.ca.gov/interact.

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

The election of November 2008 was an historic election. America proved we can see past superficial profiles and vote a candidate into office based on his qualifications and not his skin color. Overcoming such prejudices has been a long time coming in this great country. I have heard many say that the country has taken a large step forward, but that California has taken a giant step back with the passage of Proposition 8. There were several items on the ballot for California voters in November that were of particular interest to me, one of them was Proposition 8 to amend the California State Constitution in support of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Since the passage of Proposition 8 by the people of California, there has been an onslaught of seeming hatred from the opponents of Proposition 8 toward certain religious groups; in particular, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), of which I am a faithful member.

It is quite unfortunate, and ironic, that those preaching "tolerance" for the gay and lesbian community are, themselves, showing complete disrespect and intolerance for us (the supporters of the propostition). Tolerance, as I have always been taught, is loving a person regardless of their actions/beliefs. It certainly does not mean you have to accept and condone all actions/beliefs in order to love someone. Indeed, I would have no friends at all if I required they agree with me on every matter. I have many friends of diverse backgrounds - gay, religious, black, latino, supporters and non-supporters of Prop 8, etc. Unfortunately, I have lost some friends recently because of my belief in traditional marriage (of their choosing, not mine), but I have retained the more part of them because we are able to accept our differences in opinions, beliefs, and otherwise.

I have a great belief not only in my religion, but also in my country and in my community. I believe in the great power of Democracy and personally believe our Founding Fathers were inspired when they established this great nation and wrote the Constitution. I believe the best government is one "of the people, by the people, and for the people." The people of California (and others in Arizona and Florida who passed similar ballot measures) spoke on November 4 in support of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Whether we agree or disagree on that matter, I believe we should accept the will of thepeople. As I mentioned before, there were several ballot initiatives that were important to me. I admit some of them did not go my way. Nevertheless, I respect the will of the people. That does not mean Iwill stop fighting for what I believe regarding these matters, it just means I have been defeated for now and I will keep trying, fighting (peacefully) for what I believe. I believe it must be the same with Proposition 8. I ask you to please respect the will of the people of California and to disallow a few to rule many (i.e. letting the courts manipulate the law and overturn the will of the people). I ask that you publicly accept the results of the ballot initiative as the will of the people, even as you remind Proposition 8 opponents that they can seek another outcome in the future by electoral means - the truly American way.

I wish the supporters of same-sex marriage would live by their own words—refrain from discrimination against religion and exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I sincerely ask that you condemn the recent assault on the First Amendment rights of California's churchgoers - most notably Mormons, Catholics, and evangelicals - and use your law enforcement powers to protect parishioners and church facilities from trespassing, disruption, and violence. We truly need your help and protection.

And, please, accept the will of the people of California in thepassage of Proposition 8.

Thank you for listening,
Danielle Jeppson