This subject of gay and lesbian marriage has personally impacted my life and my family.  My brother is an openly gay man who fights for the rights of the LGTB community.  My teenage daughter has also declared her support for their cause.  My daughter told me she believes our church should let them be married in our temples.  She told me, “Why not? They are not hurting anyone.  Our church is just mean to them.”

Wow!  What should I say to that?  My only reply was “That’s not the way Heavenly Father designed our families.  He set things up for us to live with a father and a mother who are married.  We can’t change His rules –even though some people may want to.”  That initial reply was all I could come up with.  My research now has given me a lot more material to answer her question.

“Why not?”
First, I will quote to her from the Proclamation to the world written by our Prophets that says “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”  I believe these men speak for God.  God says so – not us.  They are His rules.  Who are we to change them? 

Second, I will explain to my daughter that marriage between a man and a woman is set up as the best way to raise a child.  Studies have been done on the benefits of the traditional family. “Marriage is a vital institution for rearing children and teaching them to become responsible adults.” (LDS Newsroom, The Divine Institution of Marriage) Children need a mother and a father figure in their life for proper development. A child who doesn’t have one of them is likely to have mental, social, and academic difficulties.

Third, I will ask her what would life be like for you if I was a lesbian?  How would you feel about me?  What would your life be like?  What would be some of our family’s challenges?  Is life better for you now – with a mom and dad that love each other?

I know there are two sides to every story and the argument is made that gay and lesbian parents can be as loving as straight couples.  Of course they love their children, but are they raising them in an environment that is best for them?  What views of the world will their children have?  What morals will their children have?  How will they live their lives when they are grown?

I don’t know the answers to all these questions.

What I do know is that our Heavenly Father has set up a plan for his children. His plan dictates that children be born in wedlock with a mother and father to raise them.  We are not Saints or angels or prophets that can change the way things were designed.  I love my brother and I love my daughter, unconditionally, no matter what they do.  My love for them does not dictate that I change my beliefs to accommodate theirs.  I believe – right is right – and man cannot change that, no matter what the law of the land says.  God’s laws never change.