A Latter-Day Saint Perspective on Same-Sex Marriage

     Same-sex marriage and its relationship with the restored gospel has become an increasingly complex issue in the year 2023. In general, with the Supreme Court's ruling in 2015 in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage is not only legal, but has been deemed to be just as beneficial as traditional marriage between a man and woman. In today's culture it is often deemed ignorant and close-minded to have views of marriage that are more aligned with traditional values. As a young adult in the church myself, it is clear that many young adults within the church struggle with the contrasting views of marriage between society and the restored gospel. It can be difficult to adequately defend the views of traditional marriage to those not of our faith, as so much of our reasoning resides on the eternal truths of marriage we know from the restoration of the gospel. If an individual's belief in traditional marriage values is not supported by a firm testimony in the eternal nature of families, their belief and defending of traditional marriage will likely falter. However, there are reasons to support the more traditional nuclear family outside of the framework of the gospel. 

    For example, by legalizing same-sex marriage you unintentionally revise the general definition of marriage. The new view of marriage is often referred to as "soulmate marriage". This ideology focuses on a concept of marriage that is based primarily on emotional and romantic connection. A definition of marriage stemming in only romantical and emotional feelings towards another erodes away the concept of permanency in the bonds of a marriage. If the basis of a marriage is simply intense feelings of romance and connection between individuals, it could be easily argued that the concept of permanency should be abolished when discussing marriage. 

    The evolving beliefs and societal views of marriage has also resulted in a drastic turning away from the traditional nuclear family, along with its many benefits. Divorce rates continue to increase as do the numbers of single-parent households. The general impact of these trends cannot be ignored. For example, the general deviation away from the nuclear family has been estimated to have enormous collateral downfall. Based upon research from Paul Amato, W. Bradford Wilcox has written, "Taking into account both divorce and non-marital childbearing, ... if the United Stated enjoyed the same level of family stability today as it did in 1960, the nation would have 750,000 fewer children repeating grades, 1.2 million fewer school suspensions, approximately 500,000 fewer acts of teenage delinquency, about 600,000 fewer kids receiving therapy, and approximately 70,000 fewer suicide attempts every year." The evidence of is clear when it comes to the benefits of nuclear families. As Elder Maxwell stated, "How much more research does the world need before we can accept parents as pivotal and before we focus on the family without apology and half-heartedness?" 

    As stated previously, a defense of traditional marriage can be difficult to do without reference to the doctrine of the restored gospel. I have seen many young adults within the church, myself included, who hesitate to reference the restored gospel when defending the traditional view of marriage. This can be understandable as referencing one's personal religious beliefs to someone not of the same religious beliefs can be seen as counterintuitive. However, we know through Christ's teachings and modern day revelation, that marriage between a man and woman give the best opportunity for children to learn and grow during this mortality state. As current apostle of the church Elder Christofferson noted, "family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies the best setting for God's plan to thrive - the setting for the birth of children, who come in purity and innocence from God, and the environment for the learning and preparation they will need for a successful mortal life and eternal life in the world to come." 

    Personally, based upon the knowledge we have through the restored gospel, it would be a disservice to not use the restored gospel in our defense of traditional marriage. We are blessed to know and understand the true doctrine of the family unit and its relationship with the life to come. Marriage between a man and woman, as determined by Heavenly Father, is the standard when discussing marriage. We know that eternal life can only be achieved through this bond/relationship. Continual solidifying of one's testimony of this doctrine will be crucial to all members of the church, especially young adults.  

Works Cited: 

Successful Marriages & Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives by A. Hawkins, D. Dollahite, & T. Draper.

Brigham Distributing, 1st Edition. 2011