Democratic Platform: Marriage

Dear Madame L,

Since you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm surprised you support the Democratic Party, with its support of gay marriage, etc. I mean, wouldn't the government then be able to force Mormon bishops to perform marriages for gays and Lesbians, and whatever?

Sincerely,

How Can You?

Dear You Can, Too,

Here's the entire Democratic Party's 2012 campaign platform, and here's the section on marriage:

   "Freedom to Marry. We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.

    "We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act."

It seems obvious to Madame L that the Democrats do not intend to force anyone to do anything!

And now, for your amusement, here is one of the best wedding scenes of all time:

Sincerely,

Madame L