Passage of Resolution to Repeal H.B.116 Not a Referendum on Church

Republican Delegate Passage of Resolution to Repeal H.B.116 was NOT a Referendum on the LDS Church

I have read through almost all the comments attached to articles in all the papers in Utah, even commented on many of them. I am one of those state delegates who voted to repeal H.B.116. In fact, I co-sponsored the resolution, and I spoke in support of the resolution with Keri Witte and Arturo Morales Llan to the general body of the Utah Republican Party.

I would like to make something very, very clear. I am a Latter-day Saint who has a deep and abiding testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not only proud to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I draw great strength, support, and am deeply inspired on a daily basis by the teachings.

The passage of the Resolution to Repeal H.B.116 at yesterday's convention was not, in any way, shape, or form, a referendum on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or any other church. Churches should only ever be concerned with the salvation of souls, and should have no borders.

However, The Church has been very, if not excruciatingly, clear about the following:

• They respect the right of nations to enforce and protect their borders.
• They recognize that an unchecked flow of illegal immigrants into the nation will destabilize America.
• They specifically asked that all members not cross borders illegally, overstay visas, or reside in nations illegally. (Source: http://newsroom.lds.org/article/immigration-church-issues-new-statement)
• They have, in the past, been very clear that they want members to remain in their home nations and build the Gospel there.
• They have also asked that illegal immigrants be treated with compassion, and I have no problem with that. We can enforce the law, uphold the U.S. Constitution without being vicious or obnoxious about it.

Yesterday's victory at the GOP Convention in Sandy, UT was about upholding the U.S. Constitution as the rule of law in America, as well as re-establishing the desire the delegates have for our elected officials to abide by the Republican Party Platform. It was nothing more, nothing less.

It is my hope the legislators in Utah will realize how strongly the people feel about this, repeal H.B.116 and start over, crafting legislation that will remain within the bounds of the U.S. Constitution.

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Copyright 2011. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.