Issue: Amendment 3 - (proposal on Utah's 2004 ballot)
Date: October 30, 2004
Author: Ken Larsen

___Richard wrote:

Dr. Larsen,

Thanks for your prompt and candid reply. While we agree on some points, the difference of belief over the sanctity of marriage between one woman and one man is too important to overlook. The laws of God should be considered since He is the author of our freedoms. To allow deviant sexual relationships (referring to homosexuality, not polygamy) to be construed as legal marriages invites all sorts of illicit license and degradation to society, which would ultimately prove the destruction of society. The Amendment XIV you alluded to says that no state shall deny to any person the equal protection of the laws. Amendment 3 Resolution on Marriage would not contravene the rights of groups or unions that are not law-abiding, because there should be no protection for those breaking laws. This amendment would clearly define what is considered lawful for marriage within Utah, which would be asserting its legitimate state right to determine its own marriage laws without the federal dictating in our internal affairs.

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___Ken replied:

When Jesus refused to condemn or stone the adulteress, he was not condoning or approving of her sin. He was making a very important point about separating the sword of justice that belongs to Caesar from the definition of sin that belongs to God. Brigham Young said, I believe, "We preach our morals. We do not legislate them." Legislating against same sex marriage was part of Lucifer's plan to force everyone to be righteous. Free agency, taught by Jehovah, mandates that we allow others to practice their sins, as long as they cause no harm. If we disagree on the meaning of the US Constitution, how about the Utah State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, "Both male and female citizens of this State shall enjoy equally all civil, political and religious rights and privileges." If a female has a right to marry a male and I don't have a right to marry that same male because I am not a female, then we don't have equal rights and privileges, do we?

Until the 1960's, Utah law forbad a marriage between a white person and a black person. The reasons were very similar to the arguments today in support of Amendment 3, which is just as discriminatory. I believe Jesus would vote against Amendment 3. I believe Brigham Young would vote against Amendment 3. I will vote against Amendment 3. I hope you will take this issue to the God you have cited.

Ken Larsen, Candidate for Governor
Personal Choice Party

801-533-8658
856 East 100 South #2
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102


PS:  Each candidate on the Personal Choice Party ballot speaks only for him- or her-self.