The best answer I've seen so far comes from Equality Utah. Instead of throwing a hissy-fit, they are calling the LDS leadership's bluff:

The LDS Church has articulated it is not “anti-gay” but rather pro-marriage and it “does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.” On November 5th, Elder L. Whitney Clayton stated the LDS Church does not oppose “civil unions or domestic partnerships.” In response to these statements, Equality Utah is drafting legislation for the 2009 General Session of the Utah Legislature to address each of the issues mentioned by the LDS Church. During this press conference Equality Utah will be asking the LDS Church to demonstrate its conviction on these statements as well as its willingness to secure such rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns.

A leading Christianist, Tony Perkins, is now saying that "civil unions" in California are fine. Great. So let's ask the Family Research Council to support a full federal civil unions bill, with all the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage. President-elect Obama would be glad to help.

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