We have to ask themselves whether they will be like the sanctimonious clergymen who ignore the plight of the “downtrodden” or be like the Good Samaritan helping the "downtrodden". Will we be their “neighbor” or will we simply walk on by ignoring their plight?

There are individuals, families, and innocent children “downtrodden” by antiquated marriage laws. There are a number of gays and lesbians that have children through artificial insemination, surrogate mothers, adoption, or from previous heterosexual relationships. These innocent children are being denied legal benefits, such as insurance coverage, Social Security survivor benefits, etc...(Click here for a list of these rights) ..if their legal parent isn’t the wage earner but instead stays at home with the kids (like many LDS mothers) while the parent’s partner supports the household financially. The parent and the kids are denied insurance coverage through the working partner's employer. Note that the parent and the children can be put out on the street by the home owning/wage earning partner without the parent receiving alimony or community property protections. The kids also aren't given child support protections. These innocent children are jeopardized by marriage laws preventing their parent and the parent's partner from obtaining the rights and protections marriage offers heterosexual couples. Opposing Civil Same-Sex Marriage is anti-child and anti-"stay at home parent". Would LDS wives and mothers be willing to raise their kids under those conditions? Should we force others to?

We know the scriptures command us to to have compassion and charity. 1 Cor. 13:1-7 says that charity is the most important attribute Christians can have. Gal. 6:2 also commands us to bear each other's burdens. Those opposing Civil Same-Sex Marriage are placing burdens on innocent children and others. The sin of Sodom was not what most people think. Ezek. 16:49 tells us that the sin of Sodom was them being wealthy and prideful and not caring for those in need. Are we going to do likewise and turn our backs on the needy and walk on by? Won't we then figuratively be "Sodomites" in so doing? Even Latter-day scripture tells us that true disciples of Christ help the needy (D&C 52:40). Same-Sex couples and their families are in need. The sin of not following the scriptures above will bring down the wrath of God at least as much as any sins that Same-Sex couples may be committing.

According to his parable, what would Jesus do? Help the lowly and those in need or praise the rich and self-righteous?

Mosiah 4:16-18 warns us not to turn our backs on those in need even if we feel they don't deserve help due to their own choices. Shouldn’t we too love our neighbor as ourselves?

Support ALL families and ALL children by supporting Civil Same-Sex Marriage. Remember, “Do what is right, let the consequence follow.”