Why we cannot expect the Church to support gay marriage

You know, Mormonism is a missionary-minded church.  Because of that, I don't think we should expect the Church to come out in support of gay marriage.

Consider the following:
Most people in the U.S. believe that consuming alcoholic beverages responsibly is fine.  However, the Church teaches that it is not wise, and does not allow people who consume alcohol to be baptized.  How hypocritical would it be for the Church to then turn around and support liberal alcohol laws? We can't expect the church to support a position that claims drinking alcoholic beverages is fine.  It shouldn't have to support something that would disqualify people from joining the Church.  On the other hand, the Church is fine with individuals, including lawmakers, who are members of the church and who vote for liberal alcohol laws.  In fact, it has happened many times, and I know of nobody who has lost their temple recommends due to how they vote on alcohol.  The LDS Church is not in the business of being a busybody, but it should take stands based on its doctrine.  However, the leaders of the Church also want us to be non-judgmental toward those who do drink alcohol responsibly, despite the Church's position on alcohol.

Similarly, the Church does not allow those in homosexual partnerships to be baptized.  We should not expect the Church to turn around and support same sex marriage.  Members of the Church are free to vote for laws that establish same sex marriage if they so choose.  It is not grounds for losing a temple recommend.  But the Church should be allowed to stand by its doctrine.  At the same time, members should not be judgmental towards those who participate in same sex marriage, despite the Church's position on the subject.

Think about it from a missionary stance.  When someone is investigating the Church and the Spirit speaks to their hearts and they want to be baptized, they may have to give up some aspects of their previous lifestyle.  This may include consumption of alcohol, Sunday extra-curricular activities, or a same-sex relationship.  We should not expect the Church to have to come out in support of things which could pose stumbling blocks to an investigator's baptism.  I don't think the Church's position is designed to be invasive or derogatory, or to be unkind in any way.  It's just the nature of having religious doctrine and wanting to share of the blessings they feel come from commitment to that doctrine.

So please don't berate the Church for its position.  It's unreasonable to expect support for same sex marriage from the Church.  At the same time, please be kind to others regardless of their views on the subject.