Opponents of Proposition 8 in California are taking up picket signs and marching against the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thursday, protesters walked around the Los Angeles California Temple because of the church's involvement in the measure that banned same-sex marriage.

Another rally was scheduled outside LDS Headquarters in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday evening.

The Mormon Church responded Friday afternoon to the demonstrations stating, "It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.

"Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States - that of free expression and voting." (Read Full Statement)

The Church added it is the right of those who disagree with the passage of Proposition 8 to speak and make their feelings known, but it is wrong for people to protest and target them at their sacred places of worship. They call for those involved in the debate to do so with respect and civility.

Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church was also a target for supporting Proposition 8.

"Proposition 8 is not against any group in our society. Its sole focus is on preserving God's plan for people living upon this earth throughout time," Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, said in a statement Thursday.

Three groups, The American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, are challenging the Proposition 8 passage by petitioning to the California Supreme Court. They want an immediate stay or injunction to prevent the proposition from taking effect.