8: The Mormon Proposition

In a decisive moment, Mormon Prophet Thomas S. Monson issued a call from Salt Lake City, urging Mormons worldwide to take action regarding Proposition 8. This heartfelt command was crafted using a secretive language from Mormon temple ceremonies, rallying the faithful to support the controversial measure.

Following Monson's call, a significant outpouring of financial support materialized from Mormons across the United States. Within just a few days, over thirty million dollars was funneled into California, demonstrating the Church's strong commitment to the cause.

Before the Mormons joined the fight, evangelicals were battling unsuccessfully against marriage equality. However, the entry of the Mormon Church marked a turning point that invigorated the movement, shifting the tide in favor of Proposition 8.

The Mormon Church launched an extensive media campaign supported by expensive public relations efforts. This barrage of misleading television and radio ads, accompanied by a vigorous door-to-door campaign, was orchestrated by the Mormon National Organization for Marriage to sway Californian voters.

Proposition 8 passed California's ballot by a narrow margin, with Mormons claiming significant credit for the victory. This triumph marked a critical moment for the Church, solidifying their political influence in the state.

In the aftermath of the ballot's passage, LGBT activists escalated their protests, directing their anger towards Mormon temples nationwide. This response highlighted the backlash that the Church faced from the very communities affected by its actions.

Documentary producer Reed Cowan began collecting secret audio recordings and documents that exposed the Church's extensive efforts to undermine LGBT rights. His experiences as a former Mormon missionary fueled his determination to reveal the truth behind the campaign.

Tyler Barrick and Spencer Jones, whose lineage traces back to early Mormon leaders, confronted the painful legacy of their family as they fought for marriage equality. Their ancestors, persecuted for polygamy, now found themselves facing discrimination from their own community.

The documentary highlighted the dire plight of homeless LGBT youth in Utah, revealing that many had been disowned by their families after coming out. This alarming statistic underscored the profound social implications of the Church's stance on marriage equality.

Mormon Bishop and Senator D. Chris Buttars made headlines when he compared gay individuals to terrorists in a shocking interview. His derogatory comments incited public outrage and drew increased attention to the Church's opposition to LGBT rights.

Following Buttars's inflammatory statements, major media outlets began extensively covering the backlash. Outlets like Forbes and The Rachel Maddow Show reported on growing public disapproval, resulting in thousands of emails sent to government officials demanding accountability.

Cowan expressed fears that the Mormon Church's involvement in politics could jeopardize its tax-exempt status. He emphasized the need for citizens to be aware of the influence behind ballot measures, particularly those gaining unexpected momentum.

The film exposed systemic human rights abuses within the Church, including reports of extreme conversion therapies. Such practices, aimed at 'curing' homosexuality, revealed the darker implications of the Church's policy towards LGBT individuals.

In a tragic reflection of the pain faced by gay Mormons, Stuart Matis took his life outside a California Mormon Church during the campaign against marriage equality. His story became emblematic of the real human toll surrounding Proposition 8.

*8: The Mormon Proposition* drew significant attention during its release, stimulating dialogue around human rights and equality. Cowan's efforts not only document the Church's involvement but also serve as a call to action for vigilance against similar political maneuvers in the future.