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+ | ==Question: Did Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "To Young Men Only" encourage physical assaults on gay people?== | ||
+ | ===The Church does not teach that violence is the best response to problems. However, everyone is entitled to protect themselves (or others) against sexual harassment or sexual assault by any means necessary--including violence=== | ||
− | + | It is claimed that Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "To Young Men Only" encourages "gay bashing" or physical assaults on gay people. | |
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− | + | The Church does not teach that violence is the best response to problems. However, everyone is entitled to protect themselves (or others) against sexual harassment or sexual assault by any means necessary--including violence. This applies to all: men and women, gay and straight. As Wikipedia notes, often the ''victim'' is blamed for the ''harasser's'' acts: | |
− | + | <blockquote> | |
+ | Retaliation and backlash against a victim are very common, particularly a complainant. Victims who speak out against sexual harassment are often labeled troublemakers who are on their own power trips, or who are looking for attention. Similar to cases of rape or sexual assault, the victim often becomes the accused, with their appearance, private life, and character likely to fall under intrusive scrutiny and attack.[17] They risk hostility and isolation from colleagues, supervisors, teachers, fellow students, and even friends. They may become the targets of mobbing or relational aggression.... | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
− | + | In this case, it is Elder Packer and ''all'' Mormons who come in for criticism and attack because the sexual harassment is that is declared unacceptable comes from a homosexual. | |
Critics who make this claim are either ignorant of the contents of then-Elder Packer's talk, or are deliberately misrepresenting it for polemical gain. | Critics who make this claim are either ignorant of the contents of then-Elder Packer's talk, or are deliberately misrepresenting it for polemical gain. | ||
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:"But I floored him," he said. | :"But I floored him," he said. | ||
:After learning a little more, my response was "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way" | :After learning a little more, my response was "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way" | ||
− | :'''I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself.'''{{ea}} | + | :'''I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself.''' <ref>Boyd K. Packer, "To Young Men Only," priesthood session, general conference, 2 October 1976. {{ea}}</ref> |
==#2: Background information== | ==#2: Background information== | ||
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===Missionary covenants=== | ===Missionary covenants=== | ||
− | All members of the Church are expected to observe the law of chastity. This means that no sexual activity outside of marriage is permitted. Furthermore, missionaries attend the LDS temple prior to going on their missions, where they reaffirm this commitment.{{ | + | All members of the Church are expected to observe the law of chastity. This means that no sexual activity outside of marriage is permitted. Furthermore, missionaries attend the LDS temple prior to going on their missions, where they reaffirm this commitment. <ref>See {{Book:Packer:Holy Temple|pages=162}}; {{Book:Talmage:House of the Lord|pages=100}}</ref> As noted above, missionaries further promise to not even engage in dating or other romantic activity while in full-time Church service. |
==#3: Examining the story== | ==#3: Examining the story== | ||
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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment Sexual harassment] of any sort is completely unacceptable. The United Nations defines sexual harrassment against women as: | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment Sexual harassment] of any sort is completely unacceptable. The United Nations defines sexual harrassment against women as: | ||
− | ::such '''unwelcome''' sexually determined behavior as physical contact and '''advances''', sexually colored remarks, showing pornography and sexual demands, whether by words or actions. Such conduct can be humiliating and may constitute a health and safety problem....{{ea}} | + | ::such '''unwelcome''' sexually determined behavior as physical contact and '''advances''', sexually colored remarks, showing pornography and sexual demands, whether by words or actions. Such conduct can be humiliating and may constitute a health and safety problem.... <ref>United Nations [http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/gencomm/generl19.htm General Recommendation 19] to the Convention on the [http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/e1cedaw.htm Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women]; cited at "[http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/svaw/harassment/explore/1whatis.htm What Is Sexual Harassment?"] (accessed 10 March 2012) {{ea}}</ref> |
The European Union notes that harassment is: | The European Union notes that harassment is: | ||
− | ::'''unwanted''' conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of women and men at work. This includes unwelcome physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct....{{ea}} | + | ::'''unwanted''' conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of women and men at work. This includes unwelcome physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct.... <ref>As cited at "[http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/svaw/harassment/explore/1whatis.htm What Is Sexual Harassment?"] (accessed 10 March 2012) {{ea}}</ref> |
There is absolutely no context in LDS mission life where ''any'' sort of romantic attachment or engagement would be appropriate--with a companion or someone else, of the same gender or someone else. Thus, ''any'' sexual advance is unwelcome and utterly inappropriate. By definition, such behavior must be sexual harassment at a minimum, and might be sexual assault depending upon the details. | There is absolutely no context in LDS mission life where ''any'' sort of romantic attachment or engagement would be appropriate--with a companion or someone else, of the same gender or someone else. Thus, ''any'' sexual advance is unwelcome and utterly inappropriate. By definition, such behavior must be sexual harassment at a minimum, and might be sexual assault depending upon the details. | ||
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* Elder Packer was speaking in the 1970s; during this time period few young Mormons (like most young Americans) would have had much exposure to even the ''idea'' of homosexuality. The missionary in question could well have been entirely naive about such things, and not even known that such behavior existed. To be suddenly confronted by encouragement to act in such a way, by someone who was supposed to be a second witness of his own faithfulness to Church doctrine and mission rules, would have been incredibly shocking, and even terrifying. If the Elder forces him into acts, who will believe him? To whom can he go for help? (We see, in the story, how difficult it was for him even to describe the experience to Elder Packer, who had to spend considerable time before he would tell the story.) | * Elder Packer was speaking in the 1970s; during this time period few young Mormons (like most young Americans) would have had much exposure to even the ''idea'' of homosexuality. The missionary in question could well have been entirely naive about such things, and not even known that such behavior existed. To be suddenly confronted by encouragement to act in such a way, by someone who was supposed to be a second witness of his own faithfulness to Church doctrine and mission rules, would have been incredibly shocking, and even terrifying. If the Elder forces him into acts, who will believe him? To whom can he go for help? (We see, in the story, how difficult it was for him even to describe the experience to Elder Packer, who had to spend considerable time before he would tell the story.) | ||
− | In short, it is | + | In short, it is false and extremely unfair to characterize Elder Packer's story as advocacy of "gay beating" or violence against homosexuals simply because of their desires or inclinations, or their decision to have consensual sex with others. Instead, it is a sad but realistic admission that at times even violence may be necessary, as a last resort, to protect chastity. |
==#4: Further thoughts to conclude== | ==#4: Further thoughts to conclude== | ||
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<!--===Where's the evidence?=== | <!--===Where's the evidence?=== | ||
− | A final question is worth asking--if this talk is really (as the | + | A final question is worth asking--if this talk is really (as the some claim) an incitement to violence against homosexuals by missionaries and LDS members in general, where is the evidence that this occurs? Are Mormon missionaries well-known for wandering around beating up any homosexual they encounter? Do LDS scout troops pick fights in gay bars? Are more devout Mormons--who would be more inclined to take prophetic counsel to heart and act on it--particularly conspicuous or known for violence in general, or violence against homosexuals in particular? The idea lacks foundation. Mormons have clearly not drawn the lessons from Elder Packer's talk that the critics insist are there--and that is because to any competent reader, the lesson is entirely different.--> |
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+ | [[Category:Questions]] |
It is claimed that Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "To Young Men Only" encourages "gay bashing" or physical assaults on gay people.
The Church does not teach that violence is the best response to problems. However, everyone is entitled to protect themselves (or others) against sexual harassment or sexual assault by any means necessary--including violence. This applies to all: men and women, gay and straight. As Wikipedia notes, often the victim is blamed for the harasser's acts:
Retaliation and backlash against a victim are very common, particularly a complainant. Victims who speak out against sexual harassment are often labeled troublemakers who are on their own power trips, or who are looking for attention. Similar to cases of rape or sexual assault, the victim often becomes the accused, with their appearance, private life, and character likely to fall under intrusive scrutiny and attack.[17] They risk hostility and isolation from colleagues, supervisors, teachers, fellow students, and even friends. They may become the targets of mobbing or relational aggression....
In this case, it is Elder Packer and all Mormons who come in for criticism and attack because the sexual harassment is that is declared unacceptable comes from a homosexual.
Critics who make this claim are either ignorant of the contents of then-Elder Packer's talk, or are deliberately misrepresenting it for polemical gain.
This article will do four things:
Elder Packer said:
Males in the Church serve full-time missions for two years. During this time, they are expected to dedicate themselves to full-time service of the Lord, His Kingdom, and people in and out of the Church. LDS missionaries are forbidden from dating or engaging in any romantic activities during this period of time. Furthermore, each missionary is assigned a "companion"--this is another missionary with whom the young man lives and works.
Missionaries are forbidden to go anywhere without their companion. Companions live in the same apartment, sleep in the same room, and go everywhere together. When out of the apartment, missionaries are taught that they are never to be alone or unaccompanied by their companion (save for trips to the bathroom and the like). Keeping missionaries together in this way serves at least two purposes:
A missionary who intentionally leaves his companion may be in serious trouble, and could be sent home from his mission.
All members of the Church are expected to observe the law of chastity. This means that no sexual activity outside of marriage is permitted. Furthermore, missionaries attend the LDS temple prior to going on their missions, where they reaffirm this commitment. [2] As noted above, missionaries further promise to not even engage in dating or other romantic activity while in full-time Church service.
We are now able to examine the story told by Elder Packer.
The European Union notes that harassment is:
There is absolutely no context in LDS mission life where any sort of romantic attachment or engagement would be appropriate--with a companion or someone else, of the same gender or someone else. Thus, any sexual advance is unwelcome and utterly inappropriate. By definition, such behavior must be sexual harassment at a minimum, and might be sexual assault depending upon the details.
This is made worse when the offender is a companion, someone who has promised to protect and look out for the spiritual and physical well-being of the companion.
In short, it is false and extremely unfair to characterize Elder Packer's story as advocacy of "gay beating" or violence against homosexuals simply because of their desires or inclinations, or their decision to have consensual sex with others. Instead, it is a sad but realistic admission that at times even violence may be necessary, as a last resort, to protect chastity.
The bias against men in the critics' version of this story is disappointing. The matter is perhaps easier to understand if we change the roles a bit. How would we react if an LDS young woman was on a mission, and told that she must spend every minute of the day with an LDS man? They must travel together, sleep in the same room, live together in what are generally cramped quarters. Now, let us imagine that the man propositions the young woman, and urges her to violate the law of chastity--would we think her out of line if she struck him?
Sexual harassment is unacceptable, regardless of whether men or women are the target. It does not matter if the harasser is homosexual or heterosexual--such behavior is everywhere and always wrong.
Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment can attest that it is an extremely frightening and oppressive experience. It is understandable that faced with such a situation--especially one which the missionary probably have never dreamed he would encounter from another male, much less his missionary companion--that the reaction would be terror and a panicked decision to do whatever it took to make sure he was safe.
No critic would dare say anything if an LDS sister missionary defended herself against the sexual suggestions, advances, or aggression of a male LDS missionary, because such a charge's bigotry against the victim is too blatant. But, as soon as the victim is a male and the aggressor a homosexual, suddenly the aggressor becomes the victim. This double standard would not exist if the gender roles were altered. This suggests that the critics are not trying to look at the situation fairly, but are simply trying to score points against the Church.
Some believe that since the missionary was a male, he could not have been a victim of sexual abuse. They argue that men only have sex when they want to and this missionary was in no real danger from his companion. This is not the case. Studies estimate that one in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse.[2] All forms of sexual abuse, including sexual harassment, can have a lasting negative impact on the victims, even males. The web site Male Survivor says this about the effects of sexual abuse:
Critics who insist that the Elder should not have protected himself against the sexual advances of his companion not only do a disservice to this Elder, but to the millions of men who have experienced sexual abuse. It is important that even men know that they are not at fault if they are victims of sexual abuse and it is okay to vigorously resist unwelcomed sexual advances. Elder Packer's advice to vigorously resist unwelcomed sexual advances, even if you are male, is important in reversing the society's apathy towards male victims of sexual assault.
Notes
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