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LDS Church Changes Policies on Treatment of Gays
Changes to LDS Church policy on homosexuality were presented to LDS lay clerical leaders worldwide Nov. 13 as the church rolled out an updated 400-page lay priesthood manual.
The newly revised LDS Church Handbook of Instructions is reserved for use by LDS Church members in local and regional lay leadership positions, but was recently put online for the general public as well.
The changes remove a call for professional counseling or repentance for those who have homosexual feelings or thoughts. It still, however, groups homosexual behavior with attempted murder, forcible rape and spouse abuse. Homosexual behavior is also permanently noted in one’s church records, however heterosexuals found to commit “sexual sin” outside of marriage receive no permanent annotations.
Some of the changes regarding homosexuality are as below (striked out is removed from previous versions of the handbook and underscored content is added):
Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance.If members have homosexual thoughts or feelings or engage in homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. Leaders also should help them accept responsibility for their thoughts and actions and apply gospel principles in their lives.While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out to understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender. [Paragraph moved from second to third position.]In addition to the inspired assistance of Church leaders, members may need professional counseling. When appropriate, bishops should contact LDS Social Services to identify resources to provide such counseling in harmony with gospel principles.If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple recommends and receive temple ordinances.
The gay and lesbian Mormon group Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons says the changes do not go far enough.
“The policies in the new Church Handbook of Instruction continue to class homosexual behavior as a choice and as a sin,” said David Melson, the group’s president. “It states that in order to be considered ‘worthy,’ an LGBT church member must refrain from all sexual activity throughout their life and must remain in the closet in most discussions and conversations.”
“To tell someone that they are less than worthy, or that they should never respond to natural sexual attraction, or that they should live their life dishonestly by living in the closet, has the potential for incredible harm to that individual,” he continued.
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese was quick to issue a press release taking credit for the policy change.
“The new guidelines clearly show that advocacy efforts pay off with real change,” said Solmonese. “We spoke out against the harms of so-called ‘reparative therapies’ on LGBT young people. Church leaders heard us and responded by dropping their recommendation that such discredited interventions be forced on LGBT and questioning youth.”
Church spokesperson Scott Trotter released a statement saying, “The HRC’s representations of the changes in the new handbook are simply absurd.” He also reiterated the church’s stance against same-sex marriage and called for civility in the discussion.
HRC re-released their statement, toning down its rhetoric and calling for the church to continue to work on the issue.
“It is good to see the Mormon Church has finally recognized what science has told us for years — people cannot change their sexual orientation and attempts to do so are harmful,” Solmonese said. “But the church has a lot further to go. Too many kids are struggling with their identities and self-worth. Church leaders must let them know they are loved and worthy just the way they are.”