We abandoned polygamy because the Lord told his prophet to bring it to an end. Clearly, this revelation came in answer to the circumstances faced at the time, including the conflict with the US government over the question. It’s worth noting, however, that President Woodruff said he would have gone right on with the practice but for that revelation.

In the case of performing same-sex marriages, I don’t think we would do it unless the Lord revealed to his prophet that we should. In addition, there’s a difference between ceasing to do something you wish to continue and beginning to engage in a practice you don’t want to take part in.

First follow the prophet and then if he is silent seek personal revelation.

That would solve most difficulties.

If the law required you to bow down to a graven image would you do it?

If the law required you to commit adultery would you do it?

If the law said you can’t pray would you do it? Think of Daniel in the Lion’s den?

The problem I have is that even without such wicked and stupid laws as I proposed above I still have trouble being righteous.

I give in to peer pressure, false gods, vain philosophies without any legal compulsion at all.

“And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil…And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.”

When the law required we stop practicing polygamy, we stopped it. I see no difference.

I think a good example of following the law of the land is the Church in East Germany. By using diplomatic means instead of lawlessness, the Church was able to get a temple in a country run by an oppressive regime, and to get members to serve full time missions.

I realize that we do not have that requirement now, but what if that were to become the case?