Marriage

Recently there has been much debate due to the HRC petition on Same-Sex marriage.

I have in the past had mixed feelings regarding this issue. I myself have had close friends who have struggled with this, in and out of my faith. I then - as is my tendency - was drawn to ask many questions. 
Over the past 5 years I have learned many things and have come to my own conclusion about this issue.

First I post some excellent quotes  - 


"The Church’s doctrine is based on love. We believe that our purpose in life is to learn, grow and develop, and that God’s unreserved love enables each of us to reach our potential. None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves."


"Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex. This is particularly so in our own Latter-day Saint congregations. Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment - to love one another."


"The Church recognizes that those of its members who are attracted to others of the same sex experience deep emotional, social and physical feelings. The Church distinguishes between feelings or inclinations on the one hand and behavior on the other. It’s not a sin to have feelings, only in yielding to temptation."


"As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, that should never, ever be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down."


Michael Otterson speaking as a representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

-http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction
I recommend this website to anyone who questions the Church stance on this topic.

Another fantastic web page is one of an interview  with Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder Lance B. Wickman of the Seventy. 
In this interview many very difficult questions are answered BEAUTIFULLY, and can be a source of Hope for anyone who has found themselves linked with this concern of same-sex attraction. 

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/interview-oaks-wickman-same-gender-attraction

I personally have never struggled with same-gender attraction, however, I do believe that God does not give us any commandments that he does not provide a way to fulfill. I know that He will help us as we strive to follow and apply Truth into our lives. It is my testimony that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all unfair things about life will be made right. I believe in the Hope and Healing He provides! - It is our responsibility, and privilege, to live after the manner of happiness - which is to live after the matter of Truth!!!