Proposition 8: The Mormon Proposition (Film review)
Documents revealed how, in a 1998 campaign in Hawaii, the Mormon “Church” helped to stop same-sex marriage through inconspicuous association with other denominations, such as Roman Catholics. The experience laid the groundwork for the Prop. 8 battle, during which many Mormons were encouraged to make donations to the California campaign, some of which, the film contends, were hidden. Consequently, the amount of money the Mormon “Church” contributed to the campaign was underreported, the movie argues.
The church’s tactics and the animosity toward gays, Cowan said, were distressing.
“It broke my heart,” he said. “You like to think that maybe they just misunderstand you — that maybe someday these men of G-d will be able to look you in the eye and see a human being. What shocked me is that they consider this a Holy War. They’re cavalier, and they’re calculated.”
Michael Purdy, a spokesman for the Mormon “Church,” fired back when asked for comment on the film.
“We have not seen ‘8: The Mormon Proposition.’ However, judging from the trailer and background material online, it appears that accuracy and truth are rare commodities in this film. Clearly, anyone looking for balance and thoughtful discussion of a serious topic will need to look elsewhere,” Purdy said in a statement.