Harry Reid Rips LDS Church's Prop. 8 Support

In an example that at least some politicians grasp the concept of separation of church and state and the fact that the CIVIL laws should not codify one particular set of religious beliefs to the detriment of other citizens, Senator Harry Reid has blasted the Mormon Church for its involvement in the passage of Proposition 8 and efforts in other anti-gay initiatives. It's be nice if the Catholic Church listened to Reid's comments because they apply to the despicable Church hierarchy and Knights of Columbus as well. It's a sad situation, but the Mormons and many alleged Christian denominations are more defined by their hate and bigotry towards others than by their adherence to the principles of the Gospels. Here are some highlights from the Salt Lake Tribune on Reid's smack down of the LDS leadership:

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In a meeting with gay-rights activists last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid criticized the LDS Church for backing a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage in California, saying the leaders of his faith should have stayed out of the contentious political fight. Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, is the highest ranking elected official who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He previously has not commented on the flood of Mormon money and volunteers who helped propel Proposition 8 to victory in November.

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"He said that he thought it was a waste of church resources and good will," said Derek Washington, a Nevadan who worked as the outreach director for the march. "He said he didn't think it was appropriate." . . . "he also believes that the resources that went into the Proposition 8 effort could have been put to better use." LDS Church officials declined to comment Monday.

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In the meeting, those present touched on issues most important to them. Dan Choi, a veteran of the Iraq War, who was booted from the military under the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, thanked Reid for lobbying President Barack Obama on his behalf. Robin McGehee, of California, talked about her own family. Then, McGehee said, Reid brought up his LDS faith and discussed a recent meeting with Mormons in which he criticized the Prop 8 efforts. He personally said they needed to be focused on other things," she said, "and he felt it was harmful for the church to focus on such a divisive issue."