More newspaper coverage of Proposition 102

In addition to an editorial, labeled as such, against Proposition 102, on October 19, 2008, the Arizona Republic felt it necessary to run another editorial under the guise of a news article. The article, entitled "Churches can tout issues, not hopefuls" the Republic writer began her article by quoting a person who described herself as a "nominal Mormon." Right next to the article, in the on-line version, the Arizona Republic listed information on each of the propositions. It is noteworthy that Proposition 102 is not identified by its actual name. The Republic, decided to get in another editorial by refering to Proposition 102 as the "Gay Marriage Ban" instead of its official title.

The news article was directed at the issue of religious organizations' involvement in the political process. However, the Republic felt it necessary to start and end their article with references to the "Mormon Church." As an aside, why does the media always include a quote from someone who admits to either being inactive in or opposed to the target religious organization?

Buried in the middle of the article is the comment: "Attorney Ellis M. Carter, who specializes in charitable-organization tax work, said the law is on the churches' side. Everyone, including a non-profit, has a First Amendment right to speak out on an issue," Carter said."

The heart of the matter is this, as stated by Attorney Carter, religious organizations have First Amendment rights, just as does the author of the Republic article and just as the Republic itself has. Proposition 102 is not a "Mormon" issue, it is a fundamental concern of all those who believe in the sanctity of marriage. It is lamentable that the Arizona Republic somehow feels compelled to take a position that is clearly against the mainstream beliefs of the vast majority of people in Arizona.