Attacking the Church

It's rare that two of my interests, politics and religion, directly impinge on each other. However, my church's involvement in California's Proposition 8 has produced quite a bit of controversy. This morning Fox News had an article regarding attacks on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by various pro-gay marriage proponents. This is not news to anybody here in Idaho, nor to my family members living in San Diego, California.

I think it's hilarious that one of the most vicious groups is called "Californians Against Hate". How have these "Californians Against Hate" responded to losing the Prop 8 vote? Why, by spewing hate towards the Mormons. Protests against the Church have gone as far as vandalism and threats against Church members. If I may make a political observation; it seems to me that more conservative individuals and organizations use democratic methods to achieve their aims whereas liberals (is there any doubt which political party these protesters overwhelmingly support?) often resort to name-calling, loud and obnoxious protesting (of a church, no less), and constantly appeal to the least democratic element of our government (i.e., the courts) to achieve their goals.

I like the Church's response to this attempt at intimidation (which is what it clearly is):

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.

This and other issues over the years indicate that the so-called civil libertarians on the left only want rights for those with whom they agree and who share their agenda, while all those religious types should just shut up.