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Deep Dive: 8: The Mormon Proposition (2010)

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8: The Mormon Proposition
8: The Mormon Proposition examines the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its support for California Proposition 8, which aimed to deny marriage rights to same-sex couples. The film, written and directed by Reed Cowan and Steven Greenstreet, features insights from Cowan, a former Mormon missionary, who shifted his focus from gay teen homelessness to the church's role in fostering homophobia. It presents evidence of the church's financial contributions and lobbying efforts to pass Proposition 8, including an estimated $22 million raised by Mormons for the campaign. The documentary also shows the impact of the church's stance on LGBTQ youth, particularly those who face homelessness after being rejected by their families. A 2022 survey indicated that 80% of LGBTQ youth living on the streets in Utah had been evicted by their parents due to their sexual orientation. The film includes classified church documents and critiques the church's response, which dismissed the film as biased and inaccurate.

Why Watch

  • •Find out how the LDS Church funded Proposition 8.
  • •See the impact of Mormon ideology on LGBTQ youth.
  • •Meet filmmaker Reed Cowan and his personal story.

Did You Know

•The LDS Church raised an estimated $22 million for Proposition 8.
•80% of LGBTQ youth on the streets in Utah were evicted by their families.
•The film grossed $100,280 in total at the box office.
•65% of critics gave the film a positive review on Rotten Tomatoes.

Perfect For

LGBTQ rights activismMormon Church studiesDocumentary filmmaking