Just Don’t Call Them Bigots

by digby

I noticed in all the local news coverage of the Prop 8 protests that Mormons being interviewed were often furiously denouncing the idea that they were bigots. They seemed a bit puzzled and hurt by the accusation and very upset that anyone would accuse them of such a thing..

And you can see why. They have been part of an oppressed religion in this country, subject to all kinds of bigotry themselves. The irony of Mormons defending “traditional marriage” is so rich, it always struck me as somewhat unbelievable. Indeed, I thought this was some sort of campaign to cleanse themselves of the taint of being the Americans previously most likely to be discriminated against for their marriage practices.

But that doesn’t seem to be the case. The church is downplaying its involvement now:

Michael Otterson, a church spokesman, recently told the Associated Press that he was “puzzled” by the protesters’ targeting of Mormons. “This was a very broad-based coalition that defended traditional marriage in a free and democratic election,” he said. “It’s a little disturbing to see these protesters singling out the Mormon Church.”There are Mormons who fought hard against the measure, drawing attention to the extent of Mormon involvement by outing fellow members on donor lists. There are Mormons so upset they’re thinking of renouncing their church membership as well as Mormons who wholeheartedly supported the initiative. And then there are those who gave money out of obedience to their leaders, without much thought to the policy it was being used to support. Regardless of where they fall on this spectrum, many probably feel a bit like Otterson: uneasy with all the attention.

I have no pity for them. they spent many millions defending bigotry and they can’t expect that there will be no pushback. If they don’t like being called bigots, they shouldn’t be bigots.

The article points out that the Mormons are in a position to become huge players in the culture wars, with lots of money and growing political influence. And their signal achievement on Prop 8 has not gone unnoticed by the religious right who may be persuaded to forgive some of their more eccentric theology in return for their cooperation in more political activity. They are, after all, rich as Croesus.

It’s something to keep an eye on.

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