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It is unfortunate that Mr. Naylor (Forum, July 15) has so badly misunderstood the point of recent letters about the LDS Church position on gay marriage. These letters haven't challenged the right of the LDS Church to have an opinion on gay marriage.
Ms. Porritt, for example, pointed out (Forum, July 11) that it was hypocritical for the church to oppose the Equal Rights Amendment because it would erode states' rights, then favor a constitutional amendment when the issue is marriage. No matter how one feels about these subjects, many of us wonder what made the LDS Church change its mind about federalism.
I'm disappointed that Mr. Naylor plans to vote for Amendment 3. I hope he doesn't believe he's dutifully obeying his church leaders. The church has issued a declaration of principle, not an endorsement of Amendment 3.
Amendment 3 goes too far. Its second sentence states, “No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.” This could jeopardize the rights of all unmarried couples, straight and gay. Those in common-law marriages, for example, might not be able to acquire protective orders in domestic violence situations, participate in medical decisions, benefit from existing property protections, obtain health insurance and so on.
No matter how you feel about gay marriage, please don't hurt thousands of Utah families. Vote against Amendment 3.
Ken Roach
Salt Lake City