Mormons are feeling the wrath

The "No on Prop. 8" crowd believes in one-way tolerance and in demonizing anyone who does not stand with them, denying my right to the democratic process and unabashedly trampling on the rights of individuals, businesses and churches.

When I was helping with the campaign for "Yes on Prop. 8," those who would vote differently tried to assure me that there would be no pushing of the gay agenda in the schools, others' rights would be protected, churches wouldn't be forced to acknowledge gay marriages if they didn't choose to. These are people who just want love and peace.

Any questions about that now? I drove to attend my temple on Santa Monica Boulevard, and there were protesters with signs screaming for the church to lose its tax exemption, vicious attacks on my religion and lies about what the religion embraces. There was a white powder scare, closing the temple down for the day, and death threats on individuals involved with the campaign.

Their slogan is "Stop The Hate." There is some inconsistency here. The only hate I saw or heard came from that side of the debate.

I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and never once have I heard any encouragement to hate gays and lesbians. I don't speak for the Mormon Church, but I know for a fact what the leaders have stated and teach, and that is complete love and acceptance of all God's children even if we don't accept their choices. I don't mind that they want to have a different opinion, but the protests are out of control.

This community needs to take a look at the shameful behavior of those who threw water bottles, flipped off, called names.

I've heard that "Mormons are going to have to watch their backs." Did I mention property damage and vandalism to signs on both sides of the issue?

The answers aren't in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. How we treat each other when we disagree is what shows how ready we are to having lasting peace among ourselves. Katherine Mackay Agoura Hills