Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The law of chastity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) states that any sexual relations outside of opposite-sex marriage are contrary to the will of God,[1] and in principle forbids homosexual behaviour. Violations of the law of chastity may result in church discipline. Members of the church who experience homosexual attractions, including those who self-identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, may remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from all homosexual relations (and from heterosexual relations outside of opposite-sex marriage).[2][3] Though no one, including active homosexuals, is forbidden from LDS Church Sunday worship services,[4] acquiring and maintaining membership in the church, and receiving a temple recommend, is dependent upon observing the law of chastity's prohibition of sexual relationships outside of a marital relationship between husband and wife.[5][6]

Although the LDS Church has taught that homosexuality[7] is a curable condition,[8] it acknowledges that "individuals do not choose to have such attractions." The church teaches that regardless of the cause of same sex attraction, "immoral relationships" must be abjured.[2][9]

The LDS Church has campaigned against government recognition of same-sex marriage,[10] and since the 1990s the issue of same-sex marriage has become one of the church's foremost political concerns; church members represented as much as 80 to 90 percent of the early volunteers petitioning voters door-to-door and 50 percent of the campaign funds in support of California Proposition 8 (2008).[11] The LDS Church supported a Salt Lake City ordinance protecting members of the LGBT community against discrimination in employment and housing while at the same time allowing religious institutions to discriminate in hiring or providing university accommodations, stating it remained "unequivocally committed to defending the bedrock foundation of marriage between a man and a woman."[12]

In December 2012, the church launched the website titled "Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction" at mormonsandgays.org "in an effort to encourage understanding and civil conversation about same-sex attraction."[13][14]

In November 2015, the church updated its policies regarding those in same-sex unions, along with the impact of children coming from families headed by same-sex couples.[15]

History and background

Joseph Smith introduced "the new and everlasting covenant" as a temple marriage.

The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, two publications that the LDS Church considers to be scripture, are silent on subjects specific to homosexuality. Sexual immorality, coupled with forsaking one's ministry which led to the destruction of faith of others, was described in the Book of Mormon as the "most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost."[16][17]

The LDS Church teaches that the Bible forbids homosexuality,[18][19] when it states, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."[20] The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible clarifies the KJV translation of Paul's condemnation of homosexual practices, as found in the Epistle to the Romans.[21]

D. Michael Quinn has suggested that early church leaders had a more tolerant view of homosexuality, but apostle Gordon B. Hinckley has stated that prophets have always considered any immoral sexual conduct, including homosexual behavior, as a "grievous sin."[22]

The first church leader to publicly use the term "homosexuality" was First Presidency member J. Reuben Clark in 1952. In an address to the General Relief Society Conference entitled, "Home, and the Building of Home Life," he said "the person who teaches or condones the crimes for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed—we have coined a softer name for them than came from old; we now speak of homosexuality, which it is tragic to say, is found among both sexes."[23]

Early cases

Valeen Avery suggested that Joseph Smith's son, David Hyrum Smith (1844–1904), may have had homosexual tendencies.[24] During the early days of the church, when gay or lesbian intercourse was discovered, the accused was sometimes disfellowshipped or excommunicated, beginning with the first known case in 1841 involving alleged bisexuality by church leader John C. Bennett.[25]

As an illness

In 1959, in response to a rash of arrests of gay men in Utah and Idaho, church president David O. McKay assigned apostles Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen to work on curing gays within the church.[26] At the time, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classified homosexuality as a mental illness, and Kimball was adamant that it could be cured. Speaking to church educators and LDS psychiatrists in 1965, Kimball said, citing a Medical World News article, that "[w]e know such a disease is curable," and that ex-gay Mormons had emerged from the church's counseling programs cured, although the cure was "like the cure for alcoholism subject to continued vigilance".[27] In 1970, Kimball was involved in creating an LDS publication for church leaders to "assist them to effect a cure and ... become normal again".[28] The pamphlet taught that church leaders may assist gay members by reciting scripture; appealing to their reason; encouraging them to abandon gay lovers and associates; praying with them; and encouraging them to replace their gay lifestyle with positive action and straight dating.[29] The pamphlet emphasized that "[h]omosexuality CAN be cured".[30][31]

As a tendency

In 1992, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from list of mental illnesses classified by the International Classification of Diseases,[32] the church produced a booklet for leaders entitled Understanding and Helping Those With Homosexual Problems,[33] which removed all reference to homosexuality as a disease. The church frequently references contemporary scientific research, but explains that this should not be taken as an official church position on "scientific questions," such as the cause of homosexuality.[2]

Proposed historical tolerance

D. Michael Quinn has suggested that early church leaders had a more tolerant view of homosexuality. He argues that during the 19th century, the church (like American society as a whole) was relatively tolerant of same-sex intimate relationships, although many such relationships had no sexual component, and among those that did the evidence is usually circumstantial.[25]

Quinn also claims that some active and prominent members of the church in Utah were not disciplined after publicizing that they were living in intimate relationships with their same-sex domestic partners, although there is no clear evidence these relationships involved sex.[25] These included Evan Stephens, who had been director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir until 1916 and is the author of numerous standard church hymns, who remained single but had intimate relationships and shared the same bed with a series of male domestic partners and traveling companions.[34] Some of these relationships were described under a pseudonym in The Children's Friend.[35] Also notable were Louise B. Felt and May Anderson, the church's first two general presidents of the Primary, who lived together in the same bedroom for decades and were referred to by Primary leaders as the "David and Jonathan" of Primary.[25]

Two LDS writers have called Quinn's interpretations a distortion of LDS history. They deny that previous leaders of the church tolerated or accepted of homosexuality and state that the position of the current leadership "is entirely consistent with the teachings of past leaders and with the scriptures."[36] They disagree with Quinn's theory that Stephens was involved in intimate relationships with other men or that the article in The Children's Friend was about these relationships, stating that Stephens was "known only as a strictly moral Christian gentleman."[36] They also note that Anderson originally came to Felt's house at the request of her husband to be with his wife during her illness, and they argue that there was not any sexual component to their relationship.[36]

Current theology and policy

In 1999, Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the church, officially welcomed gay people in the church,[37] and in an interview affirmed them as "good people": "Now we have gays in the church. Good people. We take no action against such people—provided they don't become involved in transgression, sexual transgression. If they do, we do with them exactly what we'd do with heterosexuals who transgress".[38] The church teaches that homosexual problems can be overcome "through faith in God, sincere repentance, and persistent effort."[33] "Homosexual relations" is included on the church's list of "serious transgressions" that may result in a disciplinary council and, if the person does not desist, excommunication.[39] The church defines "serious transgressions" to include "murder, rape, forcible sexual abuse, spouse abuse, intentional serious physical injury of others, adultery, fornication, homosexual relations (especially sexual cohabitation),[40] deliberate abandonment of family responsibilities, robbery, burglary, theft, embezzlement, sale of illegal drugs, fraud, perjury, and false swearing".[39]

In November 2015, the church clarified that its members who are in a same-sex marriage are in apostasy and would be subject to church discipline.[41][15] Prior to this, local leadership had more discretion in whether or how far to pursue church disciplinary action for members in same-sex marriages. Local church leaders still have discretion for same-sex couples who are cohabiting but not married. While explicitly including same-sex marriage in the church's definition of apostasy, the November 2015 update also addressed children of same-sex couples. In the updated policy, children living in a same-sex household may not receive a name and a blessing, nor be baptized until at least 18 years of age, and must disavow same-sex marriage and no longer be living with a parent who is, or has been, in a same-sex relationship.[42][43]

Terminology used by the church

Although there is no official policy to this effect, some church leaders have stated that "homosexual", "lesbian", and "gay" should be used as adjectives to describe thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, and never as nouns to describe people.[2][44][45] Not all leaders adhere to this approach. For example, Hinckley once stated in a public interview that "we have gays in the church".[38] Those leaders who adopt this position argue that using these words to denote a person rather than a feeling would imply a person has no choice in regards to their sexual behavior.[45] Church leaders and organizations have made reference to homosexuality as a sexual orientation[2][46] but have not directly addressed bisexuality. According to apostle Dallin H. Oaks, church references condemning homosexuality are to be interpreted as a condemnation of sexual behavior, not of the people who have certain sexual feelings.[7]

"Homosexual problems", according to popular church vernacular, are defined as "homoerotic thoughts, feelings, or behaviors."[33] In describing people with homosexual feelings, the church and its members will often refer to "same-gender attractions". This is used in contrast to people who have problems with opposite-gender attraction.[47] "Marriage" is defined by the church as being between a man and a woman. To many in the church, same-sex marriages are not considered a legitimate form of marriage, and the church supports the notion of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.[10][48]

Homosexual inclinations

The church uses the example of Jesus Christ being tempted as an example of how homosexuals can avoid sin.

The church does not condemn what it calls "susceptibilities," "inclinations", or "temptations" of any type that are not acted upon, pointing to the example of the temptation of Christ.[2] Members with homosexual "inclinations" can participate as all other members of the church[3] and if they remain celibate or heterosexually married, they can participate in the religion to the same extent as straight members. Heterosexual marriage is considered a sacred covenant which should generally not be pursued if homosexual feelings are not under control.[2] Those with same-gender attractions are encouraged to talk to their ecclesiastical leader.[1][49] They are encouraged not to let their sexual feelings be the sole defining factor in their lives, but to see the whole person, extending their horizons beyond their sexual orientation.[2] They are advised that they should be careful not to blame their parents.

However, church leaders recognize the loneliness and difficulty that those with homosexual inclinations may have and encourage other members to reach out to them.[10][22] Oaks has said, “All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness to bear one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ.[45]

The church does not participate in debate on whether homosexual susceptibilities develop from "nature" or "nurture", suggesting that such debates are better left to science.[2] Oaks has admitted that "perhaps such susceptibilities are inborn or acquired without personal choice" and "may have some relationship to inheritance," citing some scientific research.[45] However, the church teaches that these inclinations will not continue beyond death[2] and that gender and gender roles are an eternal and essential characteristic of a soul.[50]

Homosexual thoughts

The church teaches that all members should take responsibility in bridling their thoughts, attitudes, feelings, desires, and passions. All members are taught to avoid any talk or activity that may arouse immoral sexual feelings.[1] Members are taught to "let virtue garnish [their] thoughts unceasingly."[51] Apostle Richard G. Scott has taught that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all desire to sin can be changed and individuals can experience lasting peace.[52]

For those with same-gender attractions, church leaders counsel that "the line of prudence is between the susceptibility and the feelings."[2] The church teaches that everyone has feelings they did not choose,[45] and homosexual feelings can be powerful and difficult to control[3] but "regardless of the causes, these problems can be controlled and eventually overcome."[33] Even though there is no church discipline for homosexual thoughts or feelings,[45] the church teaches they should learn to accept responsibility for homosexual feelings[33] and cite examples of how those born with inclinations to alcoholism, anger, or other undesirable traits have been able to control their thoughts and actions.[2] With better understanding of moral law, they teach these problems will be able to be fixed "routinely."[44]

The church teaches that members should not indulge in activities that will intensify homosexual feelings, such as viewing pornography, masturbating, or participating in homosexual behavior.[33][53][54] "Unhealthy" relationships, such as those with people that encourage homosexual behavior, should be cut off, and the very appearance of evil should be avoided.[33][44] Bishops of the church are counseled to be careful to avoid creating circumstances in which those with homosexual problems are exposed to temptations.[33]

Homosexual behavior

In 1991, the church issued a statement that read:

Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual contact, including fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior is sinful .... We plead with those involved in such behavior to forsake it.[33]

The church has also taught that homosexual behavior distorts loving relationships,[1] undermines the divinely created institution of the family[10] and can become an addiction.[44] Church discipline for homosexual activity is similar to that for members involved in heterosexual activity. For example, pre-marital sex of either kind may permanently bar a person from serving as a church missionary.[55]

The church teaches that homosexual behavior has always been a grievous sin.[22] In 1976, apostle Boyd K. Packer taught:

There is a falsehood that some are born with an attraction to their own kind, with nothing they can do about it. They are just "that way" and can only yield to those desires. It is a malicious and destructive lie. While it is a convincing idea to some, it is of the devil. No one is locked into that kind of life ... Boys are to become men—masculine, manly men—ultimately to become husbands and fathers.[54]

Although church leaders condemn the sin of homosexual behavior, they teach love for the men and women who experience homosexual attraction, including for those who pursue some form of homosexual lifestyle: "We should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and assisting them with their problems."[22] Church leaders have spoken out against "gay-bashing" and other physical or verbal attacks on those involved in homosexual behavior.[45][56][57][58][59]

Church president Spencer W. Kimball stated that he finds it hard to believe that one would choose to be homosexual by a conscious decision; instead, he suggested that it might be a spiritual disorder—with its roots in selfishness—resulting in feelings that must be overcome or suppressed.[44] Kimball emphasized that the behavior is changeable,[44] and if not repented of, may result in church discipline including excommunication under the direction of the bishop.[33] Kimball maintained that the cure comes through following the basic rules for moral and spiritual health for a long period of time with undeviating determination.[44]

Reactions

Packer addressed youth in the church dealing with homosexual attractions and stated:

We understand why some feel we reject them. That is not true. We do not reject you, only immoral behavior. We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you. You may even feel that we do not love you. That also is not true. Parents know, and one day you will know, that there are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy.[60]

The church pamphlet "God Loveth His Children" acknowledges that some gays "have felt rejected because members of the Church did not always show love." It criticizes those members, and challenges gays to show love and kindness so the members can "change their attitudes and follow Christ more fully."[61]

A Georgia Tech gay-rights manual referred to the LDS Church as "anti-gay." After two students sued the school for discrimination, a judge ordered that the material be removed.[62][63][64]

Publications and speeches

In 1965, apostle Spencer W. Kimball addressed homosexuality in his speech "Love vs Lust." He called it a "heinous" sin, but taught those with homosexual "desires and tendencies" could overcome it "the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery." He taught that although everyone is subject to temptations, "the difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted."[27] In 1969, he expanded this talk in the Miracle of Forgiveness, in which he teaches that masturbation can lead to the act of homosexuality. Kimball viewed many homosexuals as "basically good people who have become trapped in sin" and that "some totally conquer homosexuality in a few months." However, he also claimed that homosexual behavior can lead to sex with animals:

Sin in sex practices tends to have a "snowballing" effect. As the restraints fall away, Satan incites the carnal man to ever-deepening degeneracy in his search for excitement until in many instances he is lost to any former considerations of decency. Thus it is that through the ages, perhaps as an extension of homosexual practices, men and women have sunk even to seeking sexual satisfactions with animals.[53]

Although Kimball makes clear the book is only his personal opinion and "absolves" the church from any errors in the book,[53] he later gave several speeches over the pulpit at general conference as the church's prophet, seer and revelator in which he made similar claims about masturbation leading to homosexuality. For example, in 1974, Kimball stated that "[e]very form of homosexuality is sin. Pornography is one of the approaches to that transgression."[65] Over half a decade later in a special message to all members of the church, Kimball stated that "[s]ometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality."[66]

In 1970, the church produced Hope for Transgressors[28] and in 1971 New Horizons for Homosexuals,[67] both of which advocated a cure for those with homosexual tendencies.

In 1976, the church issued "To Young Men Only", a pamphlet for young men reproducing a sermon by apostle Boyd K. Packer, which counseled against immorality and included a section condemning homosexual acts. In the sermon, Packer commended a missionary who was upset after he "floored" his assigned male companion in response to unwanted sexual advances.[54] In 1978, Packer followed this up with "To the One", a sermon that was also published as a pamphlet, which characterized homosexual interaction as a perversion and presented the possibility that it had its roots in selfishness and could be cured with "unselfish thoughts, with unselfish acts".[44]:6 He states that the church had not previously talked more about homosexuality because "some matters are best handled very privately"[44]:3 and "we can very foolishly cause things we are trying to prevent by talking too much about them".[44]:19

In October 1995, the church published an article titled "Same-Gender Attraction" by apostle Dallin H. Oaks in the Ensign magazine.[45]

In April 2007, the church published an extensive interview with Oaks and general authority Lance B. Wickman to clarify the church’s stand on homosexuality.[2]

In July 2007, the church published the booklet "God Loveth His Children", which is addressed to Latter-day Saints with same-gender attraction and sets out the church's doctrine and policies on homosexuality.

In October 2007, the church published the article "Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction" by apostle Jeffrey R. Holland in the Ensign and Liahona magazines.[68]

Boyd K. Packer

Quinn has pointed to apostle Packer's "To Young Men Only" as evidence of problematic attitudes in the LDS Church towards homosexuals. In the sermon, Packer encourages teenage boys to avoid immoral activities, which he says includes viewing pornography, masturbating, participating in homosexual behavior, and participating in sexual relations outside of marriage.[54] Packer encourages young Latter-day Saints to "vigorously resist" any males "who entice young men to join them in these immoral acts." Packer cites the example of a male missionary he had known who punched his missionary companion for making romantic advances. Packer says he told the missionary, "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way."[54] After telling the story, Packer comments, "I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself."[54] Packer has offered a similar warning against heterosexual advances, but without the threat of violence in return: "Never let anyone handle you or touch those very personal parts of your body which are an essential link in the ongoing of creation"[69]

Quinn has argued that the obliqueness of these vague comments constitute an endorsement of gay bashing by Packer, and that the church itself endorses such behavior by continuing to publish Packer's speech in pamphlet form.[70] However, in 1995, Oaks said, "Our doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called 'gay bashing'—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior."[45]

Mixed-orientation marriage

Further information: Mixed-orientation marriage
Homosexuals are discouraged from opposite sex marriage unless they have overcome homosexual inclinations.

Hinckley declared that heterosexual "marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices, which first should clearly be overcome with a firm and fixed determination never to slip to such practices again."[22]

Unless this is done, a person who has had homosexual feelings cannot enter marriage in good faith[2] and doing so can damage the lives of others.[33] Church leaders are warned that encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings generally leads to frustration and discouragement.[33] They speak against those who enter into marriages under false pretense.[2]

The church maintains that it is possible to overcome same-sex relationships.[44] It notes that some have reported that heterosexual feelings can emerge once freed from homosexual problems.[33] It would be appropriate for those with homosexual feelings to get married if they "have shown their ability to deal with these feelings or inclinations and put them in the background, and feel a great attraction for a daughter of God and therefore desire to enter marriage and have children and enjoy the blessings of eternity."[2] Several members of the church have dealt with their attractions sufficiently to get married.[71]

Some gay and lesbian members of the LDS Church have thought that they should get married because of the church's doctrines on marriage. The church teaches that heterosexual marriage is one of several requirements for entry into the "highest degree of glory" of the celestial kingdom, the highest level of heaven. Marriage between a man and a woman is considered an essential part in the LDS belief of attaining that heaven. Therefore, the LDS Church teaches that the family is the fundamental unit of society in this life and in heaven. However, the church has taught that such a family must not come about through deceit or lies.[45] Those who do not have an opportunity to be married in this life have been promised that they will have an opportunity to do so in the afterlife;[72][73] this promise has been reiterated with respect to those with homosexual attractions.[45] Leaders have said that homosexual attractions will not continue past death, and that if the individual is faithful in this life, they will receive every blessing in the eternities, including eternal marriage.[2]

Political involvement

The LDS Church reserves the right to become involved in political matters if it perceives that there is a moral issue at stake. Apostle M. Russell Ballard has said the church is "locked in" if anything interferes with the principle of marriage being between a man and a woman, and a very careful evaluation is made to determine what is appropriate and what is not.[74] In February 2003, the LDS Church said it did not oppose a hate-crimes bill, which included sexual orientation, then under consideration in the Utah state legislature.[75] The church opposes same-sex marriage, but does not object to rights regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.[76] In November 2008, the day after California voters approved Proposition 8, the LDS Church stated that it does not object to domestic partnership or civil union legislation as long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.[77] Following two months of negotiations between top Utah gay rights leaders and mid-level church leaders,[78] the church supported a gay rights bill in Salt Lake City which bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment, calling them "common-sense rights". The law does not apply to housing or employment provided by religious organizations.[79][80] Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland argued that it could be a model for the rest of the state.[81] After the passage of Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate, the LDS Church has not taken a position on the act.[82]

Although the church has previously stated that it will end its nine-decade-long affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America if homosexual conduct is permitted,[83] it now supports the BSA's 2013 policy change that permits membership to youth regardless of sexual orientation.[84] The LDS Church is the largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops in the United States.[85]

Same-sex marriage

Protesters in front of the Newport Beach California Temple voicing their opposition to the church's support of Prop 8

Beginning in the mid-1990s, the LDS Church began to focus its attention on the issue of same-sex marriages. In 1993, the Supreme Court of Hawaii held that discrimination against same-sex couples in the granting of marriage licenses violated the Hawaiian constitution. In response, the church's First Presidency issued a statement on February 13, 1994 declaring the church's opposition to same-sex marriage, and urging its members to support efforts to outlaw gay and lesbian marriages. With the assistance of the LDS Church and several other religious organizations, the Hawaii legislature enacted a bill in 1994 outlawing same-sex marriages.

In response to the defeat of the church on Hawaii's same-sex marriage passage, the LDS Church released "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in a 1995 statement by church president and prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, which reaffirmed the LDS Church's doctrinal stance that marriage is between a man and a woman.[86] This stance has been called into question by LGBT activists due to the LDS Church's history of polygamy.

In 2004, the church officially endorsed an amendment to the United States Constitution banning marriage except between a man and a woman. The church also officially announced its opposition to political measures that "confer legal status on any other sexual relationship" than "a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife."[10] Although the statement was directed specifically to gay marriage, the statement could also be read to encompass political opposition by the church to recognizing civil unions, common-law marriages, plural marriages, or other family arrangements. Support of an amendment in California has caused Mark Leno to question whether the church's tax-exempt status should be revoked.[87]

On August 13, 2008, the church released an article further elaborating why it teaches that gay marriage will be detrimental to society; the letter also encouraged church members living in California to use resources necessary in support of Proposition 8,[76] which proposed defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. The church asked its membership to donate time and money towards the initiative. Church members accounted for 80 to 90 percent of the volunteers who campaigned door-to-door and as much as half of the nearly $40 million raised.[88] The church's political involvement and stance on homosexuality was denounced by the 2010 documentary film 8: The Mormon Proposition. The church was criticized for its involvement by non-members and by some of its members, and in 2010, general authority Marlin K. Jensen personally apologized to church members in California for the church's role.[89]

On December 20, 2013, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby struck down the Utah's ban on same-sex marriage, saying it violated the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.[90] In response, the church released instructions to leaders regarding same-sex marriage in Utah.[91] It stated that, while the church disagrees with the court ruling, those who obtain same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully.[91] However, church officers are prohibited from employing their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages, and meetinghouses or other properties are not allowed to be used for ceremonies, receptions or other activities associated with same-sex marriages.[91]

In November 2015, the church clarified that its members who are in a same-sex marriage are in apostasy and may be subject to church discipline.[41] Children of parents who are in same-sex relationships must wait until they are 18 years old and disavow homosexual relationships before they can be baptized.[92]

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University prohibits all extramarital sexuality including homosexual activity

Brigham Young University (BYU) is the largest religious university in North America and is the flagship educational institution of the LDS Church's Church Educational System. In order to attend BYU, students must abide by the school's Honor Code. The Honor Code was recently reworded after several students argued that the previous wording was confusing and unclear, restricting sexual identity instead of lifestyle.[93] Advocacy of homosexuality and the promotion of homosexual relations as being morally acceptable was explicitly mentioned as being "against the honor code" until a change of the Code in early 2011.[94] It is now explicit that sexual orientation is not an honor code issue.[46]

Several LGBT rights organizations, including Soulforce, have criticized BYU's Honor Code.[95][96]

In the 1970s, a student at BYU, Max Ford McBride, published a dissertation that included several experiments in the use of aversion therapy to treat ego-dystonic homosexuality.[97] It is unknown whether the LDS Church was aware of these experiments.[98] At the time, homosexuality was considered by the medical community as a psychiatric condition,[99] and aversion therapy was one of the more common methods used to try to cure it.[100] In 1966, Martin Seligman had conducted a study at the University of Pennsylvania that demonstrated positive results, which led to "a great burst of enthusiasm about changing homosexuality [that] swept over the therapeutic community."[101] In one experiment, volunteers that attended BYU were shown pornographic photos of men while being shocked with self-chosen amounts of voltage.[102] One participant was Don Harryman, who shared his experience in Peculiar People: Mormons and Same-Sex Orientation.[103] Another participant, Connell O'Donovan, claimed he was also sent to BYU for vomit therapy but refused it, but BYU states that it has never used vomit-inducing therapy.[102] After flaws were demonstrated in Seligman's experiments, aversion therapy fell out of popularity and in 1994, the American Medical Association issued a report that stated "aversion therapy is no longer recommended for gay men and lesbians."[104]

In 1997, BYU president Merrill J. Bateman was unable to verify that electric shock therapies took place at the school and requested documentation to support the allegations.[105] One faculty member is quoted in a "question and answer" article on the BYU website as stating that aversion therapy may have taken place at BYU when he was an undergraduate student, but only in rare circumstances.[106]

In 2011, a group called "Understanding Same-Gender Attraction," consisting of BYU students and other members of the Provo community, began meeting on campus to discuss issues relating to homosexuality and the LDS Church.[107] However, by December 2012, USGA was told it could no longer hold meetings on BYU's campus, and though the BYU leadership claims to not know about this request it has been confirmed by all the members of the USGA leadership to have come from the LDS church leadership and not from BYU.[108]

Conversion therapy

When asked the church's position on conversion therapy, Wickman responded: "It may be appropriate for that person to seek therapy. Certainly the Church doesn't council against that kind of therapy." Oaks continued, "[t]he Church rarely takes a position on which treatment techniques are appropriate." They emphasize that from the church's standpoint, the clinical side is not the most important thing, but the recognition that the individual has their own agency to control what their own actions. Wickman and Oaks cautioned against potentially abusive practices, such as aversion therapy.[2]

In general, the church discourages member participation in groups that "challenge religious and moral values," "foster physical contact among participants," or "encourage open confession or disclosure of personal information normally discussed only in confidential settings."[109] It has stated that "although participants may experience temporary emotional relief or exhilaration, old problems often return, leading to added disappointment and despair."[109]

Several church members have been involved in the therapy for people with homosexual inclinations. A. Dean Byrd has published several articles in professional magazines and in the Ensign on the subject of homosexuality. Beckstead and Morrow analyzed the experience of 50 Mormon men undergoing conversion therapy.[110]

Jeff Robinson interviewed seven heterosexually married Mormon men who had been through conversion therapy and previously identified as gay. The seven men believe they had a spiritual transformation and that their orientation was changed. They were no longer troubled by emotional attraction to men, sexual attraction to men, feeling bad about same-sex desires, social isolation, or compulsive sexual thoughts and behaviors. Robinson found that their change came from a new understanding that prior same-sex attractions did not require them to "be" gay.[111]

Homosexual Mormons

There are no official numbers for how many members of the LDS Church identify as gay or lesbian. LDS Family Services estimates that there are, on average, four or five members per church ward who experience same-sex attraction.[112] The most recent external study, conducted in 1972, shows that between 10–13 percent of college-aged Mormon men reported past experimentation with homosexual behavior, which was similar to the percentage of non-Mormon men who similarly reported. The study did not tabulate the number of homosexuals who had never had a homosexual experience.[113] Gary Watts, former president of Family Fellowship, estimates that only 10 percent of homosexual Mormons remain in the church.[114] Others dispute that estimate, saying numbers in support groups for active Latter-day Saints and for self-identified gay Mormons are comparable. Many of these individuals have come forward through different support groups or websites stating their homosexual attractions and concurrent church membership. A number of personal accounts were published in A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.[115] Other personal experiences are documented on the LDS SSA Resources and People Can Change websites. Others have shared their stories through the Ensign,[116] through the Evergreen International website[117] and blogs.[118] There is a variety of terminology used, including "Moho", to refer to a Mormon homosexual.[119] The following are some of the more prominent individuals within the gay and "ex-gay" Mormon community:

Practicing Mormons

Former Mormons

Support organizations

The church neither encourages nor discourages support groups for those with same gender attractions. However, it does discourage members from participating in groups that foster homosexual conduct.[2] Even though no support organization is officially sponsored by the church, several organizations have begun who have adopted theories and philosophies they believe are in line with church policy. Several church members have also joined ex-gay organizations. Some church members who identify as LGBT have also joined other support groups that seek changes in church doctrine, and greater church tolerance and awareness regarding LGBT issues. Several support groups are listed below:

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Gospel Topics: Chastity", LDS.org (LDS Church), retrieved 2014-07-02
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Oaks & Wickman 2007
  3. 1 2 3 Hinckley, Gordon B. (November 1998), "What Are People Asking about Us?", Ensign (LDS Church)
  4. ↑ "Worship with Us: What to Expect", Mormon.org (LDS Church), retrieved 2014-07-02
  5. ↑ "Gospel Topics: Temples", LDS.org (LDS Church), retrieved 2014-07-02
  6. ↑ "Gospel Topics: Church Disciplinary Councils", LDS.org (LDS Church), retrieved 2014-07-02
  7. 1 2 Oaks 1984. "Thus, the First Presidency's letters condemning homosexuality are, by their explicit terms, directed at the practices of homosexuality."
  8. ↑ Kimball, Spencer W (10 July 1964), "A Counselling Problem in the Church", Address to Seminary and Institute Faculty, Provo, Utah: BYU. Transcript excerpts reprinted without permission at connellodonovan.com
  9. ↑ Oaks, Dallin H (11 October 1987), "Free Agency and Freedom", Fireside address at annual BYU symposium on the Book of Mormon, Brigham Young University
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 LDS Church 2004
  11. ↑ McKinley, Jesse; Johnson, Kirk (2008-11-14), "Mormons Tipped Scale in Ban on Gay Marriage", The New York Times, retrieved 2011-08-26
  12. ↑ Taylor, Scott (November 10, 2009). "Mormon Church backs protection of gay rights in Salt Lake City". Deseret News.
  13. ↑ "New Church Website on Same-Sex Attraction Offers Love, Understanding and Hope", News Release, LDS Church, December 6, 2012
  14. ↑ Mach, Andrew (December 7, 2012), "New website from Mormon church: 'Sexuality is not a choice'", USNews.NBCNews.com (NBC News)
  15. 1 2 "Mormons Reinforce Stand on Same-Sex Marriage". New York Times. 6 November 2015.
  16. ↑ Alma 39:5
  17. ↑ 2 Nephi 13:9
  18. ↑ "Homosexuality", Study Helps: Guide to the Scriptures, LDS Church, retrieved 2014-07-02
  19. ↑ "Gospel Topics: Same-Sex Attraction", LDS.org (LDS Church), retrieved 2014-07-02
  20. ↑ Leviticus 18:22; also: Leviticus 20:13 "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
  21. ↑ Faulconer, James E. (1999), "Verses 24–32", Romans 1: Notes and Reflections, Provo, Utah: FARMS, Brigham Young University, ISBN 0-934893-44-6, OCLC 42580110
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 Hinckley, Gordon B. (May 1987), "Reverence and Morality", Ensign: 45
  23. ↑ Clark, J. Reuben (December 1952), "Home and the Building of Home Life", Relief Society Magazine 39: 793–794; (General) Conference Reports, October 1954: 79
  24. ↑ Avery, Valeen Tippetts (1998), "Chapter 12: David and Charley", From Mission to Madness: Last Son of the Mormon Prophet, University of Illinois Press, pp. 232–243, ISBN 0-252-02399-4
  25. 1 2 3 4 Quinn 1996
  26. ↑ Kimball, Edward L.; Kimball, Andrew E. (1977), Spencer W. Kimball: Twelfth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, p. 381, ISBN 978-0-88494-330-3, OCLC 3631389
  27. 1 2 Kimball, Spencer W (5 January 1965), "Love vs. Lust", BYU Speeches of the Year. Transcript reprint with permission by the Mental Health Resource Foundation at mentalhealthlibrary.info
  28. 1 2 Kimball & Petersen 1970
  29. ↑ Kimball & Petersen 1970, pp. 2–6
  30. ↑ Kimball & Petersen 1970, p. 7
  31. ↑ Kimball 1971, p. 32
  32. ↑ Haldeman, Douglas C. (April 1994), "The practice and ethics of sexual orientation conversion therapy", Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 62 (2): 221–227, doi:10.1037/0022-006X.62.2.221
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 LDS Church 1992
  34. ↑ Quinn 1995
  35. ↑ Anonymous (October 1919), May Anderson; Primary Association, eds., "Evan Bach: A True Story for Little Folk, by a Pioneer", The Children's Friend (The Deseret News) 18, p. 386
  36. 1 2 3 James & Mitton 1998
  37. ↑ Hinckley, Gordon B. (November 1999), "Why We Do Some of the Things We Do", Ensign, Our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church.
  38. 1 2 Lattin, Don (April 13, 1997), "Musings of the Main Mormon: Gordon B. Hinckley, "president, prophet, seer and revelator: of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sits at the top of one of the world's fastest-growing religions", San Francisco Chronicle, archived from the original on 2012-05-17
  39. 1 2 LDS Church 1998, p. 95
  40. ↑ The phrase in parentheses was added in November 2015: Daniel Woodruff, "LDS church to exclude children of same-sex couples from membership", kutv.com, 6 November 2015.
  41. 1 2 Cimaron Neugebauer, "LDS Church adds same-sex marriage to definition of apostasy", kutv.com, 6 November 2015.
  42. ↑ Walch, Tad (November 6, 2015). "Elder Christofferson explains updated LDS Church policies on same-sex marriage and children". Deseret News. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  43. ↑ Tad Walch (November 13, 2015). "LDS Church provides additional information on handbook policies about same-sex couples and their children". Deseret News. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Packer 1978
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Oaks 1995
  46. 1 2 Church Educational System (2011), Church Educational System Honor Code, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University
  47. ↑ Nelson, Russell M.; Wickman, Lance B. (16 May 2007). In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America (Transcript). Interview with Robert Ruby. Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled.
  48. ↑ Jarvik, Elaine (27 May 2006), "LDS to push marriage amendment", Deseret Morning News
  49. ↑ LDS Church 2007b
  50. ↑ LDS Church 1995
  51. ↑ Doctrine and Covenants 121:45
  52. ↑ Scott, Richard G. (November 2006), "The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness", Ensign
  53. 1 2 3 Kimball, Spencer W. (1969), The Miracle of Forgiveness, Bookcraft, ISBN 978-0-88494-192-7
  54. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Packer, Boyd K (1976), To Young Men Only (PDF), LDS Church
  55. ↑ Fletcher, Peggy. "Utah Local News - Salt Lake City News, Sports, Archive - The Salt Lake Tribune". Sltrib.com. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  56. ↑ "Church Responds to HRC Petition: Statement on Same-Sex Attraction". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2015. The Church’s doctrinal position is clear: Sexual activity should only occur between a man and a woman who are married. However, that should never be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down
  57. ↑ Oaks, Dallin H.; D. Todd, D. Todd Christofferson. "Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction". mormonsandgays.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 23 January 2015. Senior Church leaders in this website represent the official position of the Church. Additional videos feature real people sharing real experiences from their own perspectives" and "We can all come together to foster a climate of goodwill and a determination to understand the workings of God in each individual life."
  58. ↑ "First Presidency Statement on Same-Gender Marriage". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 20 October 2004. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  59. ↑ "The Divine Institution of Marriage". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  60. ↑ Packer, Boyd K. (November 2000), "Ye Are the Temple of God", Ensign (LDS Church)
  61. ↑ LDS Church 2007a
  62. ↑ Judge Rules Georgia Tech Gay Rights Manual Biased, WCTV, Associated Press, May 1, 2008
  63. ↑ Court: Georgia Tech "Safe Space" program not safe from Constitution, Alliance Defense Fund, 1 May 2008
  64. ↑ "Judge Rules Bias in University’s Manual on Gay Tolerance", Liability Alerts (United Educators)
  65. ↑ Kimball, Spencer W. (1974), God Will Not Be Mocked
  66. ↑ Kimball, Spencer W. (1980), President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality
  67. ↑ Kimball 1971
  68. ↑ Holland 2007
  69. ↑ Packer, Boyd K. (July 1972), "The Message: Why Stay Morally Clean", New Era (LDS Church): 4
  70. ↑ Quinn 2000
  71. ↑ Moore, Carrie A. (30 March 2007), "Gay LDS men detail challenges", Deseret Morning News
  72. ↑ Snow, Lorenzo (31 August 1899), "none", Millennial Star, p. 547
  73. ↑ Oaks, Dallin H. (1988), Pure in Heart, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, pp. 61–62, ISBN 978-0-88494-650-2
  74. ↑ Berkes, Howard (January 9, 2009), "New Mormon Temple: Sacred Or Secret?", All Things Considered (NPR)
  75. ↑ Bauman, Joe (January 19, 2004), Debate shifts to LDS over crime bill, Deseret News
  76. 1 2 LDS Church 2008
  77. ↑ Brooke Adams (November 5, 2008), "California's Prop 8: LDS leader calls for healing the gay-marriage rift", The Salt Lake Tribune, retrieved December 20, 2013
  78. ↑ Canham, Matt; Jensen, Derek P.; Winters, Rosemary (10 November 2009), "Salt Lake City adopts pro-gay statutes -- with LDS Church support", Salt Lake Tribune
  79. ↑ Johnson, Kirk (11 November 2009), "Mormon Support of Gay Rights Statute Draws Praise", The New York Times
  80. ↑ "Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances", News Story, LDS Church, 1 January 2009
  81. ↑ Winters, Rosemary; Stack, Peggy Fletcher (11 November 2009), "LDS apostle: SLC gay-rights measures could work for state", The Salt Lake Tribune
  82. ↑ "Church Responds to Inquiries on ENDA, Same-Sex Marriage", News Release, LDS Church, 7 November 2013
  83. ↑ Sudetic, Chuck (6 July 2000), "The Struggle for the Soul of the Boy Scouts", Rolling Stone: 100. Reprint without permission at BSA-Discrimination.org.
  84. ↑ Church Issues Statement on Boy Scouts of America, LDS Church, 25 April 2013
  85. ↑ Chartered Organizations and the Boy Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, 31 December 2012
  86. ↑ Jeppson, Buckley. "Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)". HRC website. Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  87. ↑ Moore, Carrie (May 15, 2008), LDS Church expresses disappointment in California gay marriage decision, Deseret News
  88. ↑ Jesse McKinley and Kirk Johnson (November 14, 2008), "Mormons Tipped Scale in Ban on Gay Marriage", The New York Times, retrieved February 14, 2012
  89. ↑ Joanna Brooks, "Mormon Leader: ‘I’m Sorry’ For Hurtful Legacy of Prop. 8", Religion Dispatches, 2010-09-28: "According to attendee Carol Lynn Pearson, a Mormon author and longtime advocate of LGBT concerns, Elder Jensen said, 'To the full extent of my capacity, I say that I am sorry... I know that many very good people have been deeply hurt, and I know that the Lord expects better of us.'"
  90. ↑ Adams, Brooke (20 December 2013). "Federal judge strikes down Utah ban on same-sex marriage". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  91. 1 2 3 Walch, Tad (10 January 2014). "LDS Church issues instructions to leaders on same-sex marriage". Deseret News. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  92. ↑ Brady McCombs. "Mormon church issues rules aimed at gay members, their kids - Yahoo News". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  93. ↑ Walch, Tad (April 18, 2007), "BYU clarifies Honor Code about gay orientation", Deseret News
  94. ↑ Staff (2 February 2011), "BYU Removes Pro-Gay Advocacy from its Honor Code", QSaltLake, archived from the original on 2012-03-13
  95. ↑ "Brigham Young University", The Equality Ride: School Policies of Religious Schools (Soulforce)
  96. ↑ Jon Adams (7 August 2007), "The Case Against Brigham Young University", unscrewingtheinscrutable.com (Brent Rasmussen), retrieved 2011-08-17
  97. ↑ McBride 1976
  98. ↑ Beaver, Michelle (2011-03-20), "Can gays be 'cured'? Controversial practice attempts just that", San Jose Mercury News, Whether LDS leaders sanctioned or knew about experiments on gays is not publicly known.
  99. ↑ Barris, Stephen (2005-05-04), "May 17th is the Intl Day Against Homophobia", ilga.org (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association)
  100. ↑ Chenier, Elise (2005) [2004], Summers, Claude J., ed., "Social Sciences – Aversion Therapy", glbtq.com (glbtq, Inc.), retrieved 2011-08-19
  101. ↑ Seligman, Martin E.P (1993), What You Can Change and What You Can't: The Complete Guide to Self Improvement, Knopf, p. 156, ISBN 0-679-41024-4
  102. 1 2 James, Susan Donaldson (2011-03-30), "Mormon 'Gay Cure' Study Used Electric Shocks Against Homosexual Feelings", Good Morning America (ABC News), retrieved 2014-07-02
  103. ↑ Harryman, Don D., With All Thy Getting, Get Understanding, Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, retrieved 2011-08-19
  104. ↑ Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association; Ronald M. Davis; et al. (1996), "Health Care Needs of Gay Men and Lesbians in the United States" (PDF), JAMA 275 (17): 1354–1359, doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530410068036
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  107. ↑ "Understanding Same-Gender Attraction" (PDF). Student Review. September 19, 2011. p. 16.
  108. ↑ 05.13.148:45 AM ET. "Mormon U. Forces Gays to Be Celibate". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  109. 1 2 LDS Church 1998, p. 
  110. ↑ Beckstead & Morrow 2004
  111. ↑ Throckmorton, Warren (June 2002), "Initial empirical and clinical findings concerning the change process for ex-gays", Professional Psychology: Research and Practice (American Psychological Association) 33 (3): 242–248, doi:10.1037/0735-7028.33.3.242
  112. ↑ "Resources for Individuals", EvergreenInternational.org (Evergreen International), archived from the original on 2012-11-20
  113. ↑ Smith, Wilford E. (Autumn 1976), "Morman Sex Standards on College campusus, or Deal Us Out of the Sexual Revolution!", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 10 (2): 76–81
  114. ↑ Lum, Rebecca Rosen (20 August 2007), Mormon church changes stance on homosexuality; New teachings say lifelong celibacy to be rewarded with heterosexuality in heaven, The Oakland Tribune, retrieved 2011-08-19
  115. ↑ Hyde & Hyde 1997
  116. ↑ E.g.: Name Withheld (January 1997), "Becoming Whole Again", Ensign; Name Withheld (September 2004), "Compassion for Those Who Struggle", Ensign; Name Withheld (September 2004), "My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction", Ensign
  117. ↑ "Testimionies", EvergreenInternational.org (Evergreen International), archived from the original on 2012-07-24
  118. ↑ See, for example, Northern Lights, The Wood Between the Worlds, Dichotomy, Shades of Grey, Original Mohomie, Are You One Too?, and Mormon Enigma
  119. 1 2 Ravitz, Jessica (24 September 2011), "Church leadership post for an openly gay Mormon", CNN Belief Blog, CNN
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  123. ↑ "About Us – David A. Matheson, M.S., LPC", genderwholeness.com (Center for Gender Wholeness)
  124. ↑ Owens, Ryan; Patria, Melia (8 November 2010), "From Gay to Straight? Controversial Retreat Helps Men Deal With 'Unwanted Attraction'", Nightline (ABC)
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  127. ↑ Matis, Stuart (February 2000), "Letter to a Cousin", affirmation.org (Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons)
  128. ↑ Egan, Dan; Vigh, Michael (3 March 2000), "Gay Mormon Kills Self on Church Steps", Salt Lake Tribune
  129. ↑ "Suicide Memorial", www.affirmation.org (Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons)
  130. ↑ Matis, Matis & Mansfield 2004
  131. ↑ Missa Solemnis or the Play About Henry (official website), archived from the original on 2008-06-15
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  134. ↑ Lemire, Christy (16 June 2010), "Surprisingly straight '8' preaches to the choir", San Diego Union Tribune, AP
  135. ↑ Stack, Peggy Fletcher (30 August 2011), "Gay Mormon named to key local LDS leadership post in San Francisco", The Salt Lake Tribune
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  137. ↑ Park 1997a
  138. ↑ Park 1997b
  139. ↑ Park 1997c
  140. ↑ Park, Jason, "Overcoming Male Homosexual Problems" (self published), centurypubl.com
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  145. ↑ Salinas, Hugo (November 2007), Play on BYU’s "Reparative Therapy" to Be Staged at the University of Iowa, Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, retrieved 2011-08-19
  146. ↑ Cloud, John (May 10, 2005), The Battle Over Gay Teens, Time Magazine
  147. ↑ Kwon, Lillian (July 10, 2007), "Skepticism Over Validity of Ex-Gay Story Prompts 'Confessions'", The Christian Post
  148. ↑ Ex-Gay Success Story Not a Mormon Success Story, Christian News, The Christian Post, July 16, 2007
  149. ↑ "About NCLR – Kate Kendell, Esq., Executive Director", Nclrights.org (National Center for Lesbian Rights), retrieved 2011-08-19
  150. 1 2 "Mission & Values". North Star International.
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  152. ↑ General Charter, Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, retrieved 2011-08-26
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  158. ↑ Stack, Peggy Fletcher (January 2, 2014), "Longtime support group for gay Mormons shuts down", The Salt Lake Tribune

References

Further reading

External links

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