LDS Apostle Dallin Oaks' speech last week at BYU-Idaho, where he charged there are efforts to disqualify or discredit religious arguments from public debate, is perhaps the most notable political statement to come from the LDS Church since it publicly opposed the Equal Rights Amendment more than a generation ago.
It's a clear sign that the LDS Church, even while it faces a more secular world, intends to stick to its beliefs.
The backdrop for Oaks' speech is gay marriage. Since the LDS Church, and many of its members, contributed to efforts to end gay marriage in California, there has been a constant stream of intimidation tactics aimed at the LDS Church, ranging from harsh rhetoric and demonstrations to vandalism at churches.
Oaks reiterated the LDS Church's opposition to gay marriage, and also warned of a rising intolerance against Christianity that is designed to stifle debate against secular intitiatives. He also said that gay marriage opponents are falsely claiming their cause as one of civil rights.
Oaks also had harsh words for atheism. He said, "Atheism has always been hostile to religion, such as in its arguments that freedom of or for religion should include freedom from religion. Atheism's threat rises as its proponents grow in numbers and aggressiveness."
Frankly, Oaks -- or better said, the LDS Church -- seems ready for combat as well, although Oaks later stressed that politeness, civil discourse and respect for opposing viewpoints should accompany debate over these cultural issues.
We think Oaks went too far in comparing criticism of the LDS Church's gay marriage stance to intimidation in the deep South during the 1960s civil rights era. No one has been murdered or lynched for opposing gay marriage. Oaks' analogy also reminds many of the uncomforable fact that until 1978, blacks were barred from the all-male priesthood and from marrying in the temple.
We have no problem with the LDS Church engaging in the spirited debate over gay marriage. Certainly there will be many secular versus traditional battles emering in the years ahead. Speaking out for a position or over a concern that one side will not be allowed to debate these issues is appropriate.
As mentioned, we also believe that Oaks wanted to send a clear message to church members that the LDS Church is not about to change or relax its longstanding stance against gay marriage despite the current controversy and backlash. The LDS Church has received criticisms from LDS-tied gay rights groups who are urging it relax its restrictions. Most recently, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., an active church member, criticized the church for getting involved in the California gay marriage vote.
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