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==Is the church anti-gay?==
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"Love thy neighbor as thyself" is one of the two great commandments given by Jesus Christ.  No teaching and no commandment conflicts with this law.  In the Church, we believe all mankind are our brothers and sisters.  All who are baptized into the Church have made a covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given us.  This covenant requires us to act as Christ would act, including the duty to love, serve and uplift our brothers and sisters who are attracted to the same gender,{{ref|oaks95}} including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian.
  
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There was a Georgia Tech gay rights manual that referred to the church as anti-gay.  However, a judge ordered that the material be removed because there was no basis for the accusation. ([http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8258001 "Judge rules Georgia Tech gay rights manual biased"], ''Associated Press''. May 1, 2000)  President Hinckley told Larry King in an interview that the church was not anti-gay.
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The other great commandment is to love God, and this includes a devotion to obey and proclaim His commandments, including the commandment to abstain from same-sex relationships.  Obeying these commandments will bring happiness and peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. Many people are striving to obey these commandments, and others will become converted upon hearing the restored gospel of Christ.
  
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===Is the church welcoming to gay people?===
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We can love our neighbor by welcoming them to come unto Christ and inviting them to keep His commandments.  We affirm that all mankind can obey these commandments.  We respect everyone's choices, even if they decide to disobey the commandments of God.  In this way we balance our duty to love God, welcome and affirm those who may want to obey His commandments, and respect those who do not.
  
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The Church welcomes all people who seek the truth and have a desire to know and serve God.  President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to gay men and women.  In 1999, he made the following statement:
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== The Church is welcoming ==
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The Church welcomes all people to come unto Christ.  President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians.  In 1999, he made the following statement:
  
 
"As I said from this pulpit one year ago, 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." {{ref|hinckley99}}
 
"As I said from this pulpit one year ago, 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." {{ref|hinckley99}}
  
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"Church leaders are sometimes asked whether there is any place in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for persons with homosexual or lesbian susceptibilities or feelings. Of course there is." {{ref|oaks95}}
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Like all of God's children, the Church teaches that people who refer to themselves as gay are beloved sons and daughters of God and are loved by the Church and its leaders.  This love has always been extended by leaders of the Church. In one of the Church's first pamphlets geared towards homosexuality, President Kimball reminds the readers to:
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LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who is attracted to the same sex.{{ref|EvergreenIndividual}}
 
  
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Though there is no official church organization for members with same-sex attractions, there are several unofficial organizations, such as Evergreen, whose conferences usually has a representative from the quorum of seventies. There have also been several Ensign articles and books sold at Deseret Book which have been written by or for members with same-sex attractions.
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"Remember, the Lord loves you, the Church loves you."{{ref|kimball71}}
  
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Many of them have expressed gratitude for the church and their position on homosexuality.  Here are some cool quotes:
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The Church has developed several publications designed to reach out to members with same-sex attractions.  The most recent, God Loveth His Children, assures that:
  
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===Is the church affirming of gay people?===
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"No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God’s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters."{{ref|GodLoveth}}
  
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President Hinckley has affirmed gay members as good people.  In a 1995 interview, he said:
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Elder Oaks similarly stated:  
  
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"Now we have gays in the church. Good people."{{ref|lattin}}
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"Church leaders are sometimes asked whether there is any place in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for persons with homosexual or lesbian susceptibilities or feelings. Of course there is." {{ref|oaks95}}
  
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Every leader of the church who has spoken about homosexuality has affirmed their love for gay people.  Here are some of the quotes from leaders of the church.
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Many people with same-sex attractions are faithful members of the Church, as evidenced by the several organizations formed by these members, such as [http://www.evergreeninternational.org Evergreen International] and [http://northstarlds.org North Star].  LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who are attracted to the same sex.{{ref|EvergreenIndividual}}  Their stories have been profiled in the Ensign{{ref|EnsignSSA}}, and several books published by Church members.{{ref|quietDesperation}}  General Authorities attend Evergreen meetings, and the proceedings are published on the Church's web site.{{ref|hafen}}
  
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President Gordon B. Hinckley said "People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God." {{ref|hinckley98}}
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The church welcomes all people, whether they refer to themselves as gay or straight. Many who refer to themselves as gay have accepted this invitation by joining the church, where they have found peace.
  
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In response to an accusation that the church rejects our gay brothers and sisters, President Packer responded "We do not reject you,... We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you. {{ref|packer01}}
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=== We welcome while teaching against same-sex relationships ===
  
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Speaking of a gay man, Elder Holland said "I weep with admiration and respect at the faith and courage of such a man who is living with a challenge I have never faced. I love him and the thousands like him, male or female, who "fight the good fight" (1 Timothy 6:12). I commend his attitude to all who struggle with-or who are helping others who struggle with-same-gender attraction." {{ref|holland07}
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Everyone is welcome to participate in our services, but to be a member one must first make a covenant to follow the commandments of God. Jesus Christ taught that we should abstain from fornication and adultery.{{ref|Adultery}}  This includes all relationships besides those between a husband and a wife.  People with same-sex attractions are subject to these laws as much as those with opposite-sex attractions.  You cannot have a same-sex relationship without disobeying the commandments given to us by Jesus Christ.  We are not at liberty to change the law for a segment of the population.  We will continue to defend this standard and the definition that marriage is between a man and a woman.
  
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"Pamphlet says that they are loved" {{ref|GodLoveth}}
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Those who refer to themselves as gay are not necessarily having same-sex relationships.  Gay is an adjective that can refer to thoughts, attractions or behaviors.{{ref|Oaks07}}  Having same-sex attractions, participating in same-sex relationships, and identifying as gay or lesbian are three separate things.  A study by the Social Organization of Sexuality found that 60% of men and 68% of women who were attracted to the same gender have never engaged in homosexual behavior.  This number differs from those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.  For them, only 13% of men and 4% of women have never engaged in homosexual behavior.  From studies like these, the American Psychological Association has determined that "Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."{{ref|apa??}} Some who have engaged in homosexual behavior have stopped and others will stop when they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and are converted. 
  
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"I'm sure Oaks has something" (Oaks)
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Because of the strong correlation between identifying as gay or lesbian and having homosexual relationships, many members of the church who are attracted to the same gender do not refer to themselves as gay.  For members of the church, our main identity is not the gender we are attracted to, but the fact that we are sons or daughters of God.  As such, the Church does not refer to people as either gay or straight.  Some may chose to continue to refer to themselves as gay or straight and they are welcome in the church.
  
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"When members with homosexual problems come to you for help, they may feel guilty and in despair, having been unable to change their lives.  You can instill hope in them.  Help them to know that you and their Heavenly Father love them and that they can be healed from their afflictions through the atonement of the Savior." {{ref|lds92}}
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==The Church is affirming==
  
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This love is not limited to gay people who are members of the church and are living its standards. It extends to all gay people.  A pamphlet issued to church leaders in 1992 told them
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The church affirms that those with same-sex attraction are good people including those who refer to themselves as gay and seeks to assure them that they can find peace and happiness in this life.  In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, President Hinckley stated:
  
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"If a person with homosexual problems chooses not to change, family members may have difficulty maintaining feelings of love and acceptance toward the person. Encourage them to continue loving the person and hoping that he or she may repent." {{ref|lds92}}
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"Now we have gays in the church.  Good people."{{ref|lattin}}
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In discussing the command given by The First Presidency to love gay people, Elder Oaks commented:
 
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"Surely if we are counseled as a body of Church membership to reach out with love and understanding to those ‘struggling with these issues,’ that obligation rests with particular intensity on parents who have children struggling with these issues… even children who are engaged in sinful behavior associated with these issues" {{ref|oaks07}}
 
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In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball said that he thought that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."{{ref|miracle}}
 
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=== The Church helps both gay and straight people find peace ===
 
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The mission of the church is to bring all people to Christ. We believe that this is one of the fundamental ways in which we can serve our fellow man.  We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us his name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey his commandments.  Teaching and encouraging our fellow man to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ.  This is the greatest good we can do for our fellow man, and what will bring them the greatest joy.(Scripture about saying nothing but repentance) 
 
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The path that leads to eternal life is straight and narrow, but we want as many of our brothers and sisters to find that path as possible.  Christ taught against fornication and adultery, and we believe that includes all sexual relationships besides that of a husband and a wife.  We teach and encourage all to obey this commandment, as part of our duty to bring them to Christ.  There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, we are rejecting those who do not follow it.  Elder Packer responded to this concern as to how it applies specifically to gay people.  He said:
 
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"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." {{ref|packer01}}
 
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We have no other reason for teaching the law of chastity other than out of love for our fellow man.  Joseph Smith once taught that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary for salvation.  Certainly, we would want both the gay and straight members of the church to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation.  Our eternal family would not be complete without our gay brothers and sisters.
 
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=== Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships?===
 
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Some feel that the church's stance on same-sex relationships is harmful to people with same-sex attractions.  They argue that a gay person's sexual orientation is innate and immutable, that it is unreasonable to ask them not to seek out homosexual relationships, and that repressing these attractions has a severe negative impact on a person's well-being.  They teach that pursuing same-sex relationships is the only way for gay people to be well adjusted, and any teaching to the contrary is damaging to a gay person's well-being.
 
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While it is true that most people have little or no choice over their sexual orientation{{ref|apa1}}, it is not true that one's sexual orientation dictates one's sexual behavior, nor one's sexual identity.  These three areas are not as highly coordinated as one might think.  Studies in the area show significant discrepancies between orientation, behavior and identity.  This has lead the American Psychological Association to determine that "Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."{{ref|apa1}} 
 
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The large discrepancies between sexual orientation, identity and behavior is one of the reasons why it is difficult to get accurate measures on people who deal with homosexuality.  While the numbers vary from one study to the next, the numbers consistently show that there are significantly more people with same-sex attractions than those who have had a homosexual experience.  That would indicate that the teachings of the church on same-sex relationships is consistent with the practices of a significant number of people with same-sex attractions.
 
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One of the most comprehensive studies in the United States was done by the Social Organization of Sexuality.  They found that out of 131 women and 108 men in their survey who self-reported same-sex attraction, only 43 men (40%) and 42 women (32%) had participated in gay sex. {{ref|laumann}} 
 
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Of the people who had a homosexual experience, not all of them had done so recently. 
 
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In addition to the population that have never had a homosexual experience, there are also people who have stopped or will stop having homosexual relationships, some of whom have also reported that they have no current attraction to the same sex. The study indicated that of the 4.9% of men and 4.1% of women who have ever had a homosexual experience since the age of 18, only 2.7% of men and 1.3% of women had one in the last year.  This means that most people who have participated have already stopped. From these, and other findings, the American Psychiatric Association concluded "some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime". {{ref|apa2000}}
 
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This might not follow the impression that most people have about gay people.  Looking deeper into the survey might indicate why.  The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with a homosexual or bisexual identity have had sex with someone of the same sex.  This indicates that the sexual behaviors of openly gay people are not reflective of the gay population at large.  Because openly gay people are more open about their sexual orientation and behaviors, this has led many people to incorrectly believe that their sexual behaviors are reflective of the larger gay population.  This misconception has lead many to believe that gay people either cannot or do not want to live a lifestyle that is consistent with the church's teaching.  However, evidence indicates a sizable number already do or will sometime in the future.
 
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Most of the people with same-sex attractions who have not had a homosexual experience also do not identity as gay.  Critics argue that it is not healthy for homosexual people to reject a gay identity or suppress their homosexual attractions.  They argue that the only way to be well-adjusted is to come out as a gay person.  There is a significant movement to try to "out" people who reject a gay identity, and there are massive protests at any organization that seeks to help people with same-sex attractions that do not accept the gay identity.
 
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Because of the massive opposition to people who want to reject a gay identity, a task force set up by the APA investigated the matter.  They found that there is no clear harm in denying a gay identity.  They found that for some people, a religious identity was stronger than their sexual identity, and instructed counselors not to preclude the goal of celibacy, but to help clients determine their own goals in therapy, and that together with support groups, the therapy can change a client's sexual orientation identity.  Dr. Glassgold, the leader of the taskforce, summarized the findings by saying that there has been little research about the long-term effects of rejecting a gay identity, but there is "no clear evidence of harm" and "some people seem to be content with that path."{{ref|simon}}
 
  
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Although there is no harm in denying a gay identity, the church does not require gay members to deny their sexual orientation.  What is required is members follow the law of chastity.  Elder Oaks teaches that sexual orientation is a core element of one's identity, but not the only one.{{ref|oaks07}}  All members of the church have made a covenant to take upon themselves the name of Christ.  For members of the Church, taking upon themselves the name of Christ supersedes all other identities, whether gay or straight.
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Not all members who identify as gay have felt this.  Elder Holland recounts the story of one man who was concerned that because he was gay, he could not be a good member of the church.  Elder Holland affirmed that he had not transgressed, and promised:
  
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Obviously there is a strong relationship between being gay and having same-sex relationships.  There is also a strong relationship between being straight and having a child out of wedlock, which the church also teaches against.  However, it is neither unreasonable nor unhealthy for a gay person to follow the church's law of chastity, just like it is neither unreasonable nor unhealthy for a straight person to follow it.  Both homosexuality and heterosexuality are natural variations of human sexuality, but in order to become a saint of the latter-days, one must put off the natural man, and submit to the enticings of the Holy Ghost. (Mosiah 3:18)  Latter-day saints are asked to serve God, which precludes serving one's own sexual desires, be it gay or straight.  It is a sacrifice for both gay and straight people to put off the natural man and serve God, but Joseph Smith teaches that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary to achieve eternal life.  The promise of the gospel is peace in this life and eternal life in the next, and that is the greatest gift that anyone can receive, whether they be gay or straight.
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"If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement."{{ref|holland07}}
  
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=== Different standard for gay and straight Mormons ===
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Church leaders have not limited their affirmation to those who keep the standards of the Church.  In the "Miracle of Forgiveness", Spencer W. Kimball said that he found that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."{{ref|kimball69}} 
  
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Some critics argue that while both gay and straight members must obey the church's law of chastity, gay members are discriminated against because they are expected to live a higher standard.  They argue that straight members can find companionship and fulfillment through marriage, while gay members cannot because the church does not recognize same-sex marriages.
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This affirmation is important as many people with same-sex attraction may feel that they are not good people.  By assuring people with same-sex attractions that they are good people, the church affirms them in their identity as children of God. Instruction given to Church leaders explains:
  
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The church does ask a lot of its gay members, but a lot is asked of straight members as well.  counsel of the church to gay members might seem harsh to those unfamiliar with the counsel given to the membership of the church in general.  The follow chart compares some of the counsel given to gay members versus that given to the general membership of the church.
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"When members with homosexual problems come to you for help, they may feel guilty and in despair, having been unable to change their lives.  You can instill hope in them.  Help them to know that you and their Heavenly Father love them and that they can be healed from their afflictions through the atonement of the Savior."{{ref|lds92}}
  
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homosexual problems/ opposite sex problems
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The leaders of the Church understand and support their members with same-sex attractions.  They recognize that some may face struggles with their same-sex attractions.  In reference to a man with same-sex attractions, Elder Holland said:
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controling feelings
 
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don't let anyone touch your body
 
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masturbation
 
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excomunication for homosexuality and fornication
 
  
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"I weep with admiration and respect at the faith and courage of such a man who is living with a challenge I have never faced. I love him and the thousands like him, male or female, who 'fight the good fight' (1 Timothy 6:12). I commend his attitude to all who struggle with—or who are helping others who struggle with—same-gender attraction." {{ref|holland07}}
  
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== The Church is helpful ==
  
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This is not true.  It is true that same-sex attraction presents an additional challenge for gay members to find fulfillment in a marriage that straight members do not have to deal with, but it is not true that all straight people find fulfillment in marriage nor that gay people have never found fulfillment in marriage.  Many straight people face challenges in finding fulfillment in a marriage.  Some striag, whether they are single, divorced, widowed, or are currently in a bad marriage.  There are many straight members of the church who do not have a fulfilling marriage, but can still found joy in obeying the law chastity.  There is no reason to believe that gay people cannot find the same peace and joy in obeying the law of chstity even if they do not have a fulfilling marriage.  Same-sex attraction is just one of many obstacles that people can face while trying to create a happy and fulfilling marriage.
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The church seeks to help all people, including those with same-sex attractions. President Hinckley explains:
  
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While same-sex attraction is most definitely an obstacle in creating a fulfilling marriage, it doesn't completely prevent fulfillment in an opposite-sex marriage.  Fulfillment in marriage is not solely based on sexual attraction, and sexual attraction is not solely based on sexual orientation.  If that were the case, every straight man would be attracted to every woman and every straight woman would be attracted to every man.  In reality, sexual orientation is only small part in sexual attraction.  Many gay people have developed a sexual attraction for a member of the opposite sex and have created a fulfilling marriage with them. Here are some examples:
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"Well, we're not anti-gay.  We are pro-family.  Let me put it that way.  And we love these people and try to work with them and help them."{{ref|Hinckley98}}
  
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The counsel of the church to gay members might seem harsh to those unfamiliar with the counsel given to the membership of the church in general.  The follow chart compares some of the counsel given to gay members versus that given to the general membership of the church.
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Elder Oaks taught:
  
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homosexual problems/ opposite sex problems
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"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 burdens" (Mosiah 18:8) "and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2)."{{ref|Oaks95}}
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controling feelings
 
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don't let anyone touch your body
 
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masturbation
 
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excomunication for homosexuality and fornication
 
  
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It would be unjust and discriminatory to admonish straight people to live the church's law of chastity, but not gay people.  Both gay and straight members alike have born their testimony of the blessings of living the law of chastity, and we would do our gay brothers and sisters a disservice by failing to teach them the great blessings they can receive through living the law of chastity.
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There are many ways in which the Church helps those with same-sex attractions.  The Church has sought to protect people from physical and verbal abuse regardless of their choice in sexual conduct. Elder Oaks further taught:
  
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The church offers gay people the same thing it offers straight people, an invitation to come to Christ through living the gospel, which brings peace and joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come.  God loves all of His children and wants all to have joy in this life and return and live with him again.
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"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."{{ref|Oaks95}}
  
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=== The church helps family members of gay people learn to love and accept them as Christ does ===
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Beyond simply teaching this doctrine, the Church has advocated for legal protections for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  This is significant because the Church only becomes involved in politics if serious moral issues are involved.{{ref|Oaks09}}  When Salt Lake City asked the Church for its opinion on an ordinance which would protect people from housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Church supported the measure.  In the official statement, they said it was a "common-sense right" and a question of "human dignity".{{ref|LDS09}}  Elder Holland said it could be a model for the rest of Utah.{{ref|Holland09}}  This was done even though the Utah legislature, at the time, was against extending such rights.
  
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==Myths about the LDS church and homosexuality==
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The Church also helps people with same-sex attractions by steering them away from destructive patterns.  The Church helps them to see that they shouldn't blame themselves for their sexual orientation.{{ref|Holland07}}  The leadership has recently warned against aversive therapies that have been used on people with same-sex attractions which have been shown to be abusive by the scientific field.{{ref|Oaks07}} They have spoken out against using marriage as a therapeutic step to change sexual orientation,{{ref|Hinckley87}} while at the same time supporting those who want to get married to someone of the opposite sex for whom they have developed an attraction.{{ref|Oaks07}}  They have warned leaders that "encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement."{{ref|lds92}}  They have assured members that having same-sex attractions is not a sin{{ref|oaks07}} and if they remain faithful they can receive all the blessings that Heavenly Father has promised His children, with no requirement to change sexual orientation.{{ref|Holland07}}
  
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LGBT people are welcome in the church, and are affirmed as good people. The leaderships of the church has unanimously expressed love to gay people.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not anti-gay but is infact an LGBT welcoming and affirming church. Most of the accusations of the church being anti-gay centers around a few misunderstandings:
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Most important, the teachings of the Church on homosexuality help people with same-sex attractions to obey the commandments of God and find peace in their lives. Directing his comments to men who pursue same-sex relationships, Spencer W. Kimball taught:
  
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1)  You can't be affirming of LGBT
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"The Church and the Lord have no ulterior motives - the only desire being for the restoration of you, yourself, a son of God, made in his image".{{ref|kimball78}}
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Is being gay a sin?-affirming
 
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Does BYU allow gay students? - welcoming
 
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Are homosexuals an abomination? - affirming
 
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Do gay people need to be married in order to enter into heaven? - affirming
 
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Does the Church support aversion therapy? - afirming
 
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Doesn't the church's teachings on same-sex relationships interfer with its teachings on agency?
 
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Causes of Homosexuality
 
  
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=== The Church brings peace ===
  
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By coming to Christ, we can find peace and happiness in this life.  We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us His name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey His commandments.  Teaching and encouraging our brothers and sisters to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ.  Proclaiming the gospel is one of the greatest goods we can do for our brothers and sisters, and will bring them the greatest joy.
  
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There was a Georgia Tech gay rights manual that referred to the church as anti-gay.  However, a judge ordered that the material be removed because there was no basis for the accusation.(http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8258001 Judge rules Georgia Tech gay rights manual biased". Associated Press. May 1, 200)  President Hinckley told Larry King in an interview that the church was not anti-gay.
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The path that leads to eternal life is straight and narrow, but we want as many of our brothers and sisters to find that path as possible.  Elder Oaks explains the natural consequences if we do not follow the law of chastity:  
  
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"Those commandments, if they are not adhered to, result in guilt. That guilt is painful to people. There are two solutions to that guilt. One is to disbelieve in God or hold a congress and pretend that you can change God's commandments. The other is to discontinue that kind of conduct to the best of your ability."{{ref|oaks86}}
  
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===Isn't the church anti-gay if it teaches against same-sex relationship? - welcoming===
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Elder Oaks teaches there are two approaches to deal with guilt.  Our approach of promoting the commandments of the Lord will help alleviate the guilt people feel when they break the commandments of God, and does more to help someone feel good then attempting to change the commandments.
  
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The mission of the church is to bring all people to Christ. We believe that this is one of the fundamental ways in which we can serve our fellow man.  We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us his name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey his commandments.  Christ taught against fornication and adultery, and we believe that includes all sexual relationships outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.  Teaching and encouraging our fellow man to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ.  Elder Packer explains:
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There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, the Church rejects people—including those who engage in homosexual practices—who choose to not follow this law.  Elder Packer responded to this concern by saying:
  
 
"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." {{ref|packer01}}
 
"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." {{ref|packer01}}
  
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Many people have a hard distinguishing between sexual orientation and sexual activity.  They often think a reject of homosexual practices is a rejection of people with a homosexual orientation.   
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There are many members with same-sex attractions who want to live this higher moral code and find that the teachings of the Church are encouraging.  Others will want to live the higher moral code upon hearing the restored gospel.  This is one of the reasons why the Church teaches its members to abstain from same-sex relationships.  Elder Wickman explains:
  
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Many people unfamiliar with homosexuality will often lump people with same-sex attractions, people who have sexual relations with people of the same gender, and people
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"One of the purposes of that discussion was to try to be hopeful and encouraging to those who do but nonetheless want to conform their lives to what they understand the Lord's teachings to be."{{ref|mormonismmodern}}
  
−
Not all gay people want to pursue same-sex relationships. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States
+
Joseph Smith once taught that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary for salvation.  Certainly, we would want as many people to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation as possible.  If we teach that people with opposite-sex attractions need to be willing to sacrifice their sexual desires, but not people with same-sex attractions, then we are doing a disservice to those with same-sex attractions.
  
−
According to some book, only a small percentage of people with same-sex attractions have participated in homosexual behavior.{{ref|laumann}}  There are also several accounts of those who had participated in homosexual behavior who have since abandoned the practice or are seeking to.  One survey indicated that 20% of gay men and 40% of lesbians are married to someone of the opposite sex.  This puts estimates at some number.  According to this one study, this segment of the population is often overlooked.  While these people may not be as vocal as the other segments of the gay and lesbian population, it is an important segment and their views should not be discounted.
+
=== The Church is empowering ===
  
−
Is the Church anti-gay?
+
An essential part of obeying the commandments is having the faith that you are capable of obeying the commandments.  We believe all people can accomplish the things which the Lord commands them.(1 Nephi 3:7)  Unfortunately, too often people are told that they do not have the ability to obey the commandments of God. Without the faith that they can obey the commandments of God, they become weak and become victims of their circumstances, rather than learning to act for themselves.  By teaching that they can act for themselves, people are empowered to choose whether or not they will obey the commandments of God.
  
−
President Hinckley said the Church wasn't anti-gay, but pro-family.{{ref|larryking04}} The Church has spoken out against gay-bashing or any type of hostility towards gay people.  Elder Oaks reminded members that people who are attracted to the same gender are in "special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members".{{ref|oaks95}} Many gay members of the Church have expressed their gratitude for the Church's stance on homosexuality.
+
Many believe that people with same-sex attractions need to participate in same-sex relationships in order to be true to themselves, which by extension means they are incapable of obeying God's commandments.  They preach the doctrine that people who they refer to as gay or lesbian are created with only one choice about their sexual behavior.  For example, in the California Supreme Court case "In Re: Marriage", the court ruled that being gay was something "into which the class members are locked by the accident of birth" and that their "choice of a life partner will, by definition, be a person of the same sex."{{ref|CaliforniaSupremeCourt}} They leave no room for a person they identified as gay to make a decision that would be in harmony with gospel, which implies that some people are born to disobey God.  This thought is very harmful to those who they identify as gay or lesbian.  They may come to believe that they have no power over their sexual urges, and their only choice is to act on them.  This can cause those who want to obey the commandments of God to feel trapped and may lead to hopelessness and despair.
  
−
Newline.
+
The Iowa Supreme Court similarly said those who they have identified as gay cannot fulfill "their deeply felt need for a committed personal relationship" in a marriage to someone of the opposite sex.{{ref|Iowa}}  Denying the existence of people who have had success only serves to alienate them and push them further into the closet.  It may make them second guess themselves, which may weaken their marriage.  The Church is one of the few places that supports people in mixed-orientation marriages.
  
−
A Georgia Tech manual labeled the Mormon Church as anti-gay, but a complaint was made, and a judge sided with the students and mandated that the reference to the Mormon church being anti-gay be removed.
+
Psychologists have found that it is unhealthy to prevent a person from living according to their values.  They found that telling them they are incapable of living according to their values interferes with their autonomy and self-determination, which is a key element to a successful resolution in therapy.{{ref|SelfDetermination}}  The American Psychological Association has instructed psychologists to help clients make their own informed choices when they come to them for help with unwanted same-sex attractions.  They are to support them in living according to their own values, even if this means helping them change their sexual orientation identity.{{ref|TherapeuticResponse}}  They have not found that helping clients reject their same-sex attractions produces any negative effects, and in some cases, they recommend it for clients.{{ref|RejectSameSexAttractions}}
  
−
This may or may not relate to their actual sexual orientation.  In a 1990 study by the Social Organization of Sexuality, only 16% of women and 36% of men who reported some level of same-sex attraction had a homosexual or bisexual identity. The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with a homosexual or bisexual identity had participated in sex with someone of the same sex, as contrasted to 32% of women and 43% of men who had same-sex attractions.  According to a 1990 study of The Social Organization of Sexuality, out of 131 women and 108 men who self-reported [[same-sex attraction]], only 43 men (40%) and 42 women (32%) had participated in gay sex. {{ref|laumann}}
+
The message of the Church to all people is that "ye are free, ye are permitted to act for yourselves." (Helaman 14:30) While we teach against sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage, we also teach that all are free to chose good or evil. We uphold that each individual is free to chose their own values according to the dictates of their own conscious (AoF 12), and advocate their free exercise to act according to those values. (D&C 134:2)  The ability to choose is considered one of the most precious gifts given from God to man.  We fought a war in heaven to protect this agency.  If someone who refers to themself as gay or lesbian is told and comes to believe that they are incapable of following the commandments of God, then they do not truly have the ability to chose for themselves.  They have lost their agency.  This is not God's plan for His children.
  
−
Given recent prevalence estimates most pastoral caregivers and counselors will work with persons who experience same-sex attraction (SSA). Many of the people who experience SSA will report such a consistency in the directionality and intensity of their attractions that they think of themselves as having a homosexual orientation. Others will integrate their experiences of SSA into a gay identity. What can facilitate pastoral care and counseling is an intentional use of this three-tier distinction: experiences of SSA, homosexual orientation, and gay identity. A discussion of this three-tier distinction is followed by specific suggestions for utilizing this conceptual framework as a resource in pastoral care and counseling.{{ref|yarhouse}}
+
''God Loveth His Children'' affirms that everyone has a choice in their sexual behavior and they are capable of living the commandments of God. It reads:
  
−
When homosexual attraction, homosexual identity, and same-sex sexual behavior were entered to predict suicide attempt, only same-sex sexual behavior was significantly predictive.{{ref|suicide}}
+
"Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life."{{ref|GodLoveth}}
  
−
===Is being gay a sin?-affirming===
+
While some organizations say that people with same-sex attractions do not have the ability to obey the laws of God, the Church tells them that they can.  This empowers them.  The Church teaches that they are in control of their destiny, and they can make of their life what they want.
  
−
No.  Elder Oaks taught "It’s no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted." {{ref|oaks07}} The pamphlet "God Loveth His Children" encourages gay members to neither blame themselves nor their parents for their attractions.{{ref|GodLoveth}}
+
=== The Church helps family members ===
  
−
===Does BYU allow gay students? - welcoming===
+
Another way the Church extends a helping hand to people who are attracted to the same sex is by supporting their families.  They encourage family members to love and reach out to their family members, regardless of how they choose to live their lives.  In a 1992 statement to Church leaders, the Church counseled: 
  
−
Yes.  Sexual orientation was never an honor code issue, but in 2008 the honor code was revised to specifically state "Sexual orientation is not an honor code issue."  Outside groups, including Soulforce, have criticized BYU's policy against same-sex relationships, but gay students who go to BYU have spoken in favor of BYU's honor code.
+
"If a person with homosexual problems chooses not to change, family members may have difficulty maintaining feelings of love and acceptance toward the person. Encourage them to continue loving the person and hoping that he or she may repent." {{ref|lds92}}
−
 
 
−
===Are homosexuals an abomination? - affirming===
 
−
 
 
−
The previous version of the For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet included the phrase "Homosexuality is an abomination".  At the time of publication, homosexuality referred to sexual relations between people of the same gender. Now homosexuality is considered a sexual orientation, which may not be related to a person's sexual practices. The Church considers all sexual relationships except those between a husband and a wife as an abomination. (Alma 39:5) The abomination is the sexual act, not the person committing it.  In his book, Miracle of Forgiveness, Elder Kimball said he believes many homosexuals are "basically good people who have become trapped in sin," referring to those who were having same-sex relationships.{{ref|miracle}} 
 
−
 
 
−
===Do gay people need to be married in order to enter into heaven? - affirming===
 
−
 
 
−
No.  Elder Holland taught "For various reasons, marriage and children are not immediately available to all...  Perhaps there is no present attraction to the opposite gender. Whatever the reason, God’s richest blessings will eventually be available to all of His children if they are clean and faithful."{{ref|holland07}}
 
−
 
 
−
In 1987, President Hinckley taught "Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices."{{ref|hinckley87}}  In 1992, the Church came out with more elaborate instructions. "Marriage should not be viewed as a way to resolve homosexual problems.  The lives of others should not be damaged by entering a marriage where such concerns exist.  Encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement.  However, some people have reported that once they are freed from homosexual problems, heterosexual feelings have gradually emerged."{{ref|lds92}} 
 
−
 
 
−
Again in 2007, Elder Oaks commented on President Hinckley's 1987 statement: "To me that means that we are not going to stand still to put at risk daughters of God who would enter into such marriages under false pretenses or under a cloud unknown to them. Persons who have this kind of challenge that they cannot control could not enter marriage in good faith.  On the other hand, persons who have cleansed themselves of any transgression and who 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 - that’s a situation when marriage would be appropriate."{{ref|oaks07}}
 
−
 
 
−
While there is no requirement nor encouragement for gay people to marry, there is no restriction either.  Elder Holland notes "Some may overcome same-gender attraction in mortality and marry. Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."{{ref|holland07}}  Many members with same-sex attraction are faithfully married, and have reported happiness and fulfillment in these marriages.
 
−
 
 
−
===Does the Church support aversion therapy? - afirming===
 
−
 
 
−
Elder Oaks answered this question in a 2007 interview.  He said:
 
−
 
 
−
"The Church rarely takes a position on which treatment techniques are appropriate, for medical doctors or for psychiatrists or psychologists and so on.
 
−
 
 
−
The second point is that there are abusive practices that have been used in connection with various mental attitudes or feelings. Over-medication in respect to depression is an example that comes to mind. The aversive therapies that have been used in connection with same-sex attraction have contained some serious abuses that have been recognized over time within the professions. While we have no position about what the medical doctors do (except in very, very rare cases - abortion would be such an example), we are conscious that there are abuses and we don’t accept responsibility for those abuses. Even though they are addressed at helping people we would like to see helped, we can’t endorse every kind of technique that’s been used."{{ref|oaks07}}
 
−
 
 
−
There were experiments done on aversion therapy at Brigham Young University by McBride in the 1970s.{{ref|McBride}}  Although Brigham Young University is owned by the Church, it is still given a great degree of autonomy, and graduate students typically do not seek for church approval before conducting research projects.  At the time, homosexuality was considered a mental disorder, and aversion therapy was a standard tool used in the medical profession to treat homosexuality.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==What is the Church's position on gay rights?==
 
−
 
 
−
For the most part, the Church does not involve itself in politics.  It makes a few exceptions when it comes to moral issues.  The Church officially opposes same-sex marriage, but has made clear that the official opposition is limited to marriage, and does not extend to other gay rights.  The statement reads as follows:
 
−
 
 
−
The focus of the Church’s involvement is specifically same-sex marriage and its consequences. The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) 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." {{ref|DivineMarriage}}
 
−
 
 
−
Larry King asked President Hinckley whether or not the Church was in favor of civil unions.  President Hinckley responded "Well, we want to be very careful about that, because that - whatever may lead to gay marriage, we're not in favor of."{{ref|larryking}}  Here, the emphasis again was on marriage, not on any other rights.
 
−
 
 
−
===Doesn't the church's teachings on same-sex relationships interfere with its teachings on agency?===
 
−
 
 
−
One of the fundamental doctrines of the Church is that men are free to chose good and evil.  The role of the Church is not to force people to obey the commandments of God.  The Church invites all to come to Christ, but it is up to the individual to come unto Christ.  We teach that sexual relationships are only allowed between a husband and a wife, but allow individuals to make their own choices.  The eleventh article of faith states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscious, and allow all men the same privilege.  Let them worship how, where or what they may."  We believe that all people have the ability to chose their own sexual conduct.
 
−
 
 
−
Legislation that is herald as gay rights legislation actually puts limitations on the ability of gay and lesbian people to chose their own sexual conduct.  For example, the recent decision by the Iowa Supreme Court stated that "you're marriage isn't fulfilling."  While we respect the rights of gay and lesbian people who
 
−
 
 
−
this really is my own beef.  I will get back to it, just not right now.
 
−
 
 
−
==Causes of Homosexuality==
 
−
 
 
−
A major source of debate about homosexuality is the cause of homosexuality.  Many people have accused the church of teaching causes of homosexuality that contradict modern research.  Much of this confusion stems from the definition of homosexuality, which has changed drastically over the years.  In the 1960s, President Kimball referred to homosexuality as a "sex act", while modern medical organizations refer to it as a sexual orientation.  This understanding is essential for understanding the difference between the teachings of the church and the accusation being levied against the church.
 
−
 
 
−
===Is it taught that no one is born gay?===
 
−
 
 
−
Larry King once asked President Hinckley whether or not people were born gay.  President Hinckley said he did not know. Elder Oaks explains: "The Church does not have a position on the causes of any of these susceptibilities or inclinations, including those related to same-gender attraction. Those are scientific questions - whether nature or nurture - those are things the Church doesn’t have a position on. {{ref|oaks07}}
 
−
 
 
−
Many members of the Church have expressed their opinion that no one is born gay. Unfortunately, many have spoken as if they represent the Church.  Elder Holland chastised these members, saying "I too affirm that God loves all His children and acknowledge that many questions, including some related to same-gender attraction, must await a future answer, perhaps in the next life. Unfortunately, some people believe they have all the answers now and declare their opinions far and wide. Fortunately, such people do not speak for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."{{ref|holland07}}
 
−
 
 
−
While the church doesn't teach the cause of homosexuality, it has taught that it isn't a choice, and it is no one's fault.  Elder Holland taught "If you are a parent of one with same-gender attraction, don’t assume you are the reason for those feelings. No one, including the one struggling, should try to shoulder blame. Nor should anyone place blame on another-including God." {{ref|holland07}}
 
−
 
 
−
The church has taught that every one has a choice over their sexual actions, and that being gay does not remove that choice.  The Church teaches that because of the atonement of Christ, everyone is free to act for themselves, and to chose between good and evil.  Elder Oaks taught:
 
−
 
 
−
"Beware the argument that because a person has strong drives toward a particular act, he has no power of choice and therefore no responsibility for his actions. This contention runs counter to the most fundamental premises of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Satan would like us to believe that we are not responsible in this life. That is the result he tried to achieve by his contest in the pre-existence. A person who insists that he is not responsible for the exercise of his free agency because he was ‘born that way’ is trying to ignore the outcome of the War in Heaven. We are responsible, and if we argue otherwise, our efforts become part of the propaganda effort of the Adversary." {{ref|oaks95}}
 
  
−
His admonition focused on the "act". He did not deny that a person may have strong drives towards the act.  He does not even deny that the feelings might be inborn.  In the same document, he states:
+
This was reiterated by Elder Oaks in 1997: "
  
−
"Some kinds of feelings seem to be inborn. Others are traceable to mortal experiences. Still other feelings seem to be acquired from a complex interaction of "nature and nurture." All of us have some feelings we did not choose, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that we still have the power to resist and reform our feelings (as needed) and to assure that they do not lead us to entertain inappropriate thoughts or to engage in sinful behavior."
+
Surely if we are counseled as a body of Church membership to reach out with love and understanding to those ‘struggling with these issues,’ that obligation rests with particular intensity on parents who have children struggling with these issues... even children who are engaged in sinful behavior associated with these issues" {{ref|oaks07}}
  
−
He does fall short of affirming that such feelings are indeed inborn, pointing to several scientific studies which indicate that they may not be inborn.  It is important to note that no major medical organization considers sexual orientation to be inborn.  Most believe it is a complex interaction between genetics, hormones and environment.  The American Psychological Association has stated "Some people believe sexual orientation is innate and immutable; but sexual orientation develops across the lifetime of a person.
+
The Church helps family members to balance their love for their children who choose not to obey God's commandments and their love for God and devotion to His commandments.  Elder Oaks explains:
  
−
The Church's stance on the cause of homosexuality is completely inline with modern science.
+
"Love and tolerance are incomplete unless they are accompanied by a concern for truth and a commitment to the unity God has commanded of his servants... Carried to an undisciplined excess, love and tolerance can produce indifference to truth and justice, and opposition to unity."{{ref|oaks94}}
  
−
===Didn't the Church teach homosexuality was a disease?===
+
Families with members with same-sex attractions are strengthened through living the principles of love and respect taught by Jesus Christ and reiterated in the Proclamation to the World on the Family.{{ref|lds95}}  The sister of a woman (Leigh) who is involved in a sexual relationship with another woman wrote an "Ensign" article in which she describes how the Church has helped her with her relationship with her sister:
  
−
Speaking to church educators and LDS psychiatrists in 1964, Elder Spencer W. Kimball read from a Medical World News article which referred to homosexuality as a disease. He commented that "We know such a disease is curable."  
+
"I know the best thing I can do to have a close relationship with my sister is to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son. Leigh recently commented that it has been through the way our family has loved her that she has felt what she understood to be God’s love." {{ref|Leigh}}
  
−
It was not Elder Kimball who classified homosexuality as a disease.  He was quoting from a Medical World News article.  Until 1992, homosexuality was classified as a mental illness by the World Health Organization.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb264/is_24_12/ai_n29141570/ Homosexuality not a disease to be cured.] Reproductive Health Matters, November 2004 </ref>  Even today, they have a classification for ego-dystonic sexual orientation.  The church typically does not challenge the classification of diseases of medical authorities. Elder Oaks explained that although the church frequently references contemporary scientific research, it should not be taken as a position on "scientific questions".  After the reclassification by the WHO, the Church distributed new material on dealing with homosexuality that removed all references to homosexuality being a disease.
+
One of the best services that we can perform for our brothers and sisters is to help them feel the love of God through our actions. This can be done while holding strong to the teachings of the gospel.
  
−
Consistent with the medical field at the time, Spencer W. Kimball continued to refer to homosexuality as a disease throughout his life, including in several church publications and pamphlets.  It is important to remember that the definition of homosexuality has changed since the 1960s.  In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Elder Kimball referred to homosexuality as a "sex act," whereas today it refers to a sexual orientation and does not necessarily imply a sex act. He said the cure for homosexuality was "like the cure for alcoholism subject to continued vigilance."  If he were saying that the person's sexual orientation could change, there would be no need for continued vigilance, because there would be no same-sex attraction, and hence no temptation to commit any related sex act.  He compared it to alcoholism.  It is not expected that alcohol becomes completely undesirable to a recovering alcoholic, but just that he gains control over his alcohol consumption.
+
== The Church is respectful ==
  
−
===Does the Church teach masturbation makes you gay?===
+
By empowering people with same-sex attraction to make their own decision regarding their sexual behavior, some will decide of their own free will and choice not to obey the standards of the church and hence disqualify themselves from membership in the Church.  We respect their decision.  However, respecting their decision does not require the church to agree with their decision, nor does it require that we go against those who deal with same-sex attractions in a manner consistent with the commandments of God.  Elder Oaks taught:
  
−
President Kimball taught that "Sometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality."{{ref|kimball80}}  A similar sentiment was expressed in The Miracle of Forgiveness.{{ref|miracle}}  Also in that book, President Kimball defined homosexuality as a "sex act", whereas today it is defined as a sexual orientation that doesn't necessarily include sex acts. Hence, President Kimball was not saying that masturbation lead someone to be attracted to the same sex, but that masturbation is a step towards having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex. This is not surprising, considering that church has also taught that for straight people masturbation is also a step towards having a sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex.  It would make sense that the same admonition would apply equally to gay and straight members. Masturbation is discouraged for both gay and straight members.  In the same address, President Kimball taught "Masturbation, a rather common indiscretion, is not approved of the Lord nor of his church, regardless of what may have been said by others whose “norms” are lower. Latter-day Saints are urged to avoid this practice. Anyone fettered by this weakness should abandon the habit before he goes on a mission or receives the holy priesthood or goes in the temple for his blessings. "
+
"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination."{{ref|Oaks99}}
  
 +
While we may disagree with the decision to pursue same-sex relationships, we always strive to uplift those who have made that choice and show kindness to them.  For example, the Church has always been supportive of civil rights for all people.{{ref|Brown63}}  This includes those who choose to enter same-sex relationships.  We do not oppose any civil rights, including those regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.{{ref|LDS08}}  (The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right.){{ref|NotACivilRight}}  The statement showing support for the Salt Lake anti-discrimination bill reads:
  
−
Other
+
"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree - in fact, especially when we disagree. The Church’s past statements are on the public record for all to see. In these comments and in our actions, we try to follow what Jesus Christ taught. Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."{{ref|LDS09}}
−
*Women of Worth [http://www.northstarlds.org/wow/ Women of Worth]
 
−
*Ensign articles <ref name="GayEnsign">For example, see [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1997.htm/ensign%20january%201997.htm/becoming%20whole%20again.htm Becoming Whole Again], [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f3cba7b37c11c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____ Compassion for Those Who Struggle] and [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2002.htm/ensign%20august%202002.htm/my%20battle%20with%20samesex%20attraction.htm My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction]</ref>
 
−
*Evergreen testimonies <ref>[http://www.evergreeninternational.org/testimonies.htm Evergreen Testimionies]</ref>
 
−
*Ty Mansfield<ref> [http://www.tymansfield.com/2008/03/publications.html Thirtysomething...: Publications<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref><ref> [http://deseretbook.com/authors/author-interview?author_id=30561&interview_id=2095 Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield, authors of ''In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction''] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGuLCqwTArk KSL interview by Carole Mikita with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield]{{Verify credibility|date=July 2009}} </ref>
 
−
*David Matheson<ref> [http://www.peoplecanchange.com/About_Us_Matheson.htm David Matheson] </ref><ref> [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbT93tckW4o YouTube - Coqui Zen Entertainment<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Verify credibility|date=July 2009}}</ref>
 
  
 +
By always showing love and respect to those we disagree with, while holding firm to the commandments, the Church balances its duty to show love to God by defending and proclaiming His commandments; welcome, affirm and help those with same-sex attractions who may want to obey the commandments of God; and love our neighbor, regardless of the choices they make.
  
−
* [[Evergreen International]] is an organization for "people who want to diminish same-sex attractions and overcome homosexual behavior."<ref> [http://www.evergreeninternational.org Evergreen International] </ref> It is the only organization that "sustains the doctrines and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without reservation or exception."
+
We welcome and affirm those with same-sex attractions, including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian, just as we do for those with opposite-sex attractions. The actions of the Church have consistently been based in love for all of God's children.
−
*'''North Star''' is an organization whose mission is to "provide a place of community for Latter-day Saints who experience homosexual attraction, as well as their family, friends, and ecclesiastical leaders."<ref> [http://www.northstarlds.org Northstar] </ref> The group supports the church’s position on homosexuality and aims to provide spiritual and social support for individuals and families who support and desire to live in harmony with church teachings.
 
−
* [[Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons]] is a support group originally organized on [[June 11]], [[1977]] to "work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full, equal and worthy persons within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and society, and to help them realize and affirm self-worth."<ref> {{Citation |publisher= Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons |url= http://www.affirmation.org/chapters/charter_and_bylaws.shtml |title= General Charter |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}</ref> However, the group has expanded its mission to include bisexuals, transgender persons, and intersex persons. The group opposes the church's position against homosexuality.
 
−
* '''Disciples2''' is an organization to provide support for what it calls male and female "strugglers," "who have chosen or may someday choose to be in harmony with our Heavenly Father and His laws as set forth by modern-day prophets and apostles."<ref name="disciples" />
 
−
* '''Wildflowers''' is an organization for "women who have been or who are currently married to homosexual men."<ref> {{Citation |url= http://www.wearewildflowers.comz |title= We Are wildflowers |publisher= wearewildflowers.com |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}</ref> The group was organized by Mormons, but is open to all faiths.
 
−
*[[Family Fellowship]] is for family members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members.<ref> [http://ldsfamilyfellowship.org Family Fellowship<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
−
* '''GLYA''' (Gay LDS Young Adults) is a fraternal organization that provides "social activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young adults ages 18-30 who share the similar cultural and religious background and/or heritage in Mormonism."<ref> [http://glya.homestead.com Website Disabled<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref> It provides resources for religious organizations that accept homosexual behavior.<ref> [http://glya.homestead.com/resources.html#anchor_135 Website Disabled<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
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*[[LDS Reconciliation]] affirms the spirituality of Gays and Lesbians. It has organized protests against BYU and its policies.<ref> [http://www.ldsreconciliation.org Gay Mormon at LDSReconciliation.org<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
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*[[Gamofites]] is an organization of Latter-day Saint gay fathers. In its support for the sexuality of its members, Gamofites dissents from the Church's official doctrine on homosexuality.
 
−
* '''The Guardrail foundation''' seeks to "reach out to young men with questions about homosexuality and to provide them with alternatives that are compatible with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." It promotes therapy called Context Specific Therapy that helps with homosexual "problems."<ref> [http://www.theguardrail.com/guardrail.htm The Guardrail Foundation] </ref>
 
  
 
==Endnotes==
 
==Endnotes==
−
#{{note|apa2000}}[http://www.aglp.org/pages/cfactsheets.html#Anchor-Gay-14210 American Psychiatric Association] 2000
+
#{{note|Iowa}} http://www.kcci.com/download/2009/0403/19084885.pdf
−
#{{note|apa}}[http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=31 American Psychological Association Help Center] Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
+
#{{note|oaks95}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
−
#{{note|apa2007}}[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/therapeutic-response.pdf Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation]
+
#{{note|hinckley99}}Hinckley, Gordon B. (Nov 1999). [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ff1b6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD. Why We Do Some of the Things We Do]. Ensign.
−
#{{note|beckstead}}{{cite journal |url= http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/651 |title= Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy |last= Beckstead |first= A. Lee |date= 2004 |volume= 32 |number= 5 |pages= 651–690 |doi= 10.1177/0011000004267555 |journal= The Counseling Psychologist }}
+
#{{note|GodLoveth}}{{cite web |url= http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ |title=God Loveth His Children |accessdate= 2007-12-07 }}
−
#{{note|honorcode}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|oaks95-2}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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|author=Brigham Young University
 
−
|author-link=Brigham Young University
 
−
|title=The Honor Code and Applications: Live a Chaste and Virtuous Life
 
−
|publisher=Brigham Young University
 
−
|place=Provo, Utah
 
−
|url=http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3599&Itemid=4643
 
−
}}.
 
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#{{note|aversiontherapy}}{{Citation |url= http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/aversion_therapy.html |title= Aversion Therapy |publisher= glptq.com |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}
 
 
#{{note|EvergreenIndividual}} Evergreen International [http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm Resources for Individuals]
 
#{{note|EvergreenIndividual}} Evergreen International [http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm Resources for Individuals]
−
#{{note|nytstyle}}[http://www.glaad.org/Page.aspx?pid=380 AP, The New York Times & Washington Post Style]
+
#{{note|EnsignSSA}}For example, see [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1997.htm/ensign%20january%201997.htm/becoming%20whole%20again.htm Becoming Whole Again] and [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2002.htm/ensign%20august%202002.htm/my%20battle%20with%20samesex%20attraction.htm My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction]
−
#{{note|Norway}} Hegna K, Larsen CJ. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17364711?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Straightening out the queer? Same-sex experience and attraction among young people in Norway.]
+
#{{note|hafen}} - [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.lds.org%2Fldsnewsroom%2Feng%2Fpublic-issues%2Felder-bruce-c-hafen-speaks-on-same-sex-attraction&ei=7ZhjS7PaFo_-sgO45rmdAw&usg=AFQjCNG0NnHSPtjgTuxXZ9LD4KQyRTCkKw&sig2=NwjozIDi2qTV72sM8LJyZw Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction] - LDS Newsroom
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#{{note|kimball80}}Spencer W. Kimball, “[http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=d70ffc3157a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality],” Ensign, Nov 1980, 94
+
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+
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#{{note|GodLoveth}}{{cite web |url= http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ |title= [[God Loveth His Children]] |accessdate= 2007-12-07 }}
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+
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|year=1995
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#{{note|laumann}}{{cite book
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#{{note|oaks86}} {{attn}}
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|date=1994
+
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−
|page=299}}
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#{{note|DivineMarriage}}[http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]
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+
 
−
|title=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
+
#{{note|Adultery}} See Matt 19:18, Matt 15:19 and Mark 7:21.  This excludes all sexual relationships between unmarried people.  It was apparent that Christ only recognized marriage between a man and a woman. (Matt 19:4-6) Modern revelation confirms that the Biblical teaching against adultery and fornication prohibits sexual relationships between everyone besides husband and wife. 
−
|year=1997
+
#{{note|RejectSameSexAttractions}} [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124950491516608883.html A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity: Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions]
−
|date=April 13, 1997
+
#{{note|CaliforniaSupremeCourt}} [http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/revpub/A110449.PDF In re MARRIAGE CASES]
−
|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle
+
#{{note|TherapeuticResponse}}{{Citation
−
|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1997/04/13/SC36289.DTL
+
|author=American Psychological Association
 +
|title=Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation
 +
|year=2009
 +
|url= http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/therapeutic-response.pdf}}
 +
#{{note|larryking04}}{{Citation
 +
|last1=Hinckley
 +
|first1=Gordon B.
 +
|author1-link=Gordon B. Hinckley
 +
|last2=King
 +
|first2=Larry
 +
|author2-link=Larry King
 +
|title=A Conversation with Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
 +
|date=December 26 2004
 +
|year=2004
 +
|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0412/26/lkl.01.html
 
}}
 
}}
 
#{{note|quietDesperation}}{{Citation
 
#{{note|quietDesperation}}{{Citation
Ligne 463 : Ligne 336 :
 
|oclc= 55644980
 
|oclc= 55644980
 
}}.
 
}}.
−
#{{note|mcbride}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|PlaceInTheKingdom}}[http://centurypubl.com/Place_Kingdom_Same_Sex_Attraction.htm ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.'']
−
|last=McBride
+
#{{note|Brown63}} In the 1963 General Conference, Hugh B. Brown stated: "it is a moral evil for any person or group of persons to deny any human being the rights to gainful employment, to full educational opportunity, and to every privilege of citizenship". He continued: "We call upon all men everywhere, both within and outside the church, to commit themselves to the establishment of full civil equality for all of God's children. Anything less than this defeats our high ideal of the brotherhood of man."
−
|first=Max Ford
+
#{{note|SelfDetermination}} There have been several studies which have investigated the effects of gay affirmative therapies on clients whose religious values go contrary to the ideals of gay affirmative therapy.  For example, see {{cite journal |url= http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/651 |title= Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy |last= Beckstead |first= A. Lee |date= 2004 |volume= 32 |number= 5 |pages= 651–690 |doi= 10.1177/0011000004267555 |journal= The Counseling Psychologist }} {{cite journal
−
|title=Effect of Visual Stimuli in Electric Aversion Therapy (Dissertation presented to the Department of Psychology of Brigham Young University)
+
|url=http://www.drthrockmorton.com/jpcreorientation.pdf
−
|place=Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
+
|title=Counseling practices as they relate to ratings of helpfulness by consumers of sexual reorientation therapy
−
|date=August 1976
+
|last=Throckmorton
−
|year=1976
+
|first=Warren
−
}}
+
|coauthor=Welton
−
#{{note|monson08}}{{cite news |url= http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695250131,00.html |publisher= ''[[Deseret Morning News]]'' |date= February 4, 2008 |last= Moore |first= Carrie A. |title= Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president |quote= depends on what the disagreement is. If it's an apostasy situation, that would not be appropriate. If it's something political, there is room for opinion here and there on either side. }}
+
|date=Winter 2005
−
#{{note|moore}}{{Citation
+
|publisher=Journal of Psychology and Christianity
−
|last=Moore
+
|volume=24
−
|first=Carrie A.
+
|number=4
−
|url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660207378,00.html
+
|pages=332–42|format=PDF}} and {{cite journal
−
|title=Gay LDS men detail challenges
+
|last=Haldeman
−
|date=March 30 2007
+
|first=Douglas
−
|newspaper=Deseret Morning News
+
|url=http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/691?ck=nck
 +
|title=When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide:Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients
 +
|publisher=The Counseling Psychologist
 +
|volume=32
 +
|number=5
 +
|year=2004
 +
|doi=10.1177/0011000004267560
 +
|journal=The Counseling Psychologist
 +
|pages=691}}.  Each have discovered that there are gay people for whom gay affirmative therapy is not helpful. This has lead the American Psychological Associate to issue a statement which reads "Mental health professional organizations call on their members to respect a person's (client's) right to selfdetermination".[http://www.apa.org/topics/sexuality/orientation.aspx]  When dealing with these gay patients, they have determined that the appropriate application of affirmative therapeutic interventions is one which "involves therapist acceptance, support, and understanding of clients and the facilitation of clients’ active coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, without imposing a specific sexual orientation identity outcome." [Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx]
 +
#{{note|NotACivilRight}}  Some have accused the church of denying a group of people their civil right to marry based on their sexual orientation.  This is not true.  Nowhere is there any requirement based on sexual orientation in order to marry.  People of all sexual orientations get married in all parts of the world.  Many members with same-sex attractions have been able to form fulfilling and faithful marriages to people of the opposite sex. Marriage, as defined by God, is a union between a man and a woman, and everyone is allowed to participate.  Political involvement by the church has been focused on protecting this definition.  Same-sex marriage is not really a marriage by the definition given by God and is therefore not a civil right.  Elder Oaks explains:  "The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right. We have endured a wave of media-reported charges that the Mormons are trying to "deny" people or "strip" people of their "rights." After a significant majority of California voters (seven million - over 52 percent) approved Proposition 8’s limiting marriage to a man and a woman, some opponents characterized the vote as denying people their civil rights. In fact, the Proposition 8 battle was not about civil rights, but about what equal rights demand and what religious rights protect. At no time did anyone question or jeopardize the civil right of Proposition 8 opponents to vote or speak their views."
 +
#{{note|oaks94}} (Dallin Oaks, "Our strengths can become our downfall, " Ensign, October, 1994, 19.
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#{{note|oaks99}}{{Citation
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|last=Oaks
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|first=Dallin H.
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|place=BYU Devotional speech
 +
|year=1999
 +
|date=9 February 1999
 +
|title=Weightier Matters
 
}}
 
}}
−
#{{note|mormonismmodern}} {{Citation|title= In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America |quote= 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. |url= http://pewforum.org/events/?EventID=143 }}
+
#{{note|LDS08}} [
−
#{{note|oaks95}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
+
http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]
−
#{{note|oaks07}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|LDS09}} [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/statement-given-to-salt-lake-city-council-on-nondiscrimination-ordinances Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances]
−
|last=Wickman
 
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|first=Lance B.
 
−
|authorlink=Lance B. Wickman
 
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|editor=LDS Church
 
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|title=Same-Gender Attraction
 
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|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|year=2007
 
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|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
 
−
}}
 
−
#{{note|packer}} Packer [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=67d1a1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1 Ye Are the Temple of God]
 
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#{{note|packer72}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Packer
 
−
|first=Boyd K.
 
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|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
−
|title=The Message: Why Stay Morally Clean
 
−
|date=July 1972
 
−
|year=1972
 
−
|periodical=New Era
 
−
|pages=4
 
−
|publisher=LDS Church
 
−
|url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=338f18e7c379b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|packer76}}{{Citation
 
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|first=Boyd K.
 
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|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
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|title=To Young Men Only: General Conference Priesthood Session, [[October 2]], [[1976]]
 
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|year=1976
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|url=http://www.lds-mormon.com/only.shtml
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|packer78}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Packer
 
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|first=Boyd K.
 
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|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
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|title=To the One: Address given to the Twelve Stake Fireside, Brigham Young University, March 5, 1978
 
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|year=1978
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|url=http://www.lds-mormon.com/tto.shtml
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|park}}{{Citation
 
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|last= Park
 
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|first= Jason
 
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|title= Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men
 
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|url= http://centurypubl.com/Resolving_Homosexual_Problems_LDS_Men.htm
 
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|accessdate= 2009-07-30
 
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|year= 1997
 
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|publisher= Century Publishing
 
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|location= Salt Lake City, Utah
 
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|isbn= 9780941846066
 
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|oclc= 38855822
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|quinn}}D. Michael Quinn, [http://www.affirmation.org/learning/prelude.shtml "Prelude to the National 'Defense of Marriage' Campaign: Civil Discrimination Against Feared or Despised Minorities"], ''[[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought]]'', '''33''':3, p. 1-52 (2001)
 
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#{{note|scott}}{{Citation
 
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|first=Richard G.
 
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|authorlink=Richard G. Scott
 
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|title=The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness
 
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|date=November 2006
 
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|magazine=Ensign
 
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|pages=40
 
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|url=http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2006.htm/ensign%20november%202006.htm/the%20atonement%20can%20secure%20your%20peace%20and%20happiness.htm
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|simon}}STEPHANIE SIMON [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124950491516608883.html#articleTabs%3Darticle A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity : Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions]
 
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#{{note|robinson}}{{cite journal |publisher=American Psychological Association |journal= Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |title= Initial empirical and clinical findings concerning the change process for ex-gays |url= http://www.drthrockmorton.com/article.asp?id=1 |date= June 2002 |volume= 33 |number= 3 |pages= 242–248 |last= Throckmorton |first= Warren |doi= 10.1037/0735-7028.33.3.242 }}
 
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|author-link=Lorenzo Snow
 
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#{{note|Savin-Williams}} Savin-Williams RC, Ream GL. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17195103?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Prevalence and stability of sexual orientation components during adolescence and young adulthood.]
 
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#{{note|Seligman}}p. 156, Seligman, Martin E.P., ''What You Can Change and What You Can't: The Complete Guide to Self Improvement'' Knopf, 1993; ISBN 0-679-41024-4
 
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#{{note|westboro1}}{{cite news |url= http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695248839,00.html |title= Church group plans protest at Pres. Hinckley's funeral |first= Jared |last= Page |date= January 31 2008 |publisher= ''Deseret Morning News'' }}
 
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#{{note|honorcode2}}{{cite news |url= http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660205345,00.html |title= Y. urged to clarify its policy on gays |date= March 22, 2007 |last= Walch |first= Tad}}
 
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#{{note|westboro2}}{{cite news |url= http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8210106 |title= Kirby: My surprise at finding that I belong to a gay church |first= Robert |last= Kirby |publisher= ''Salt Lake Tribune'' }}</ref>
 
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#{{note|PlaceInTheKingdom}}[http://centurypubl.com/Place_Kingdom_Same_Sex_Attraction.htm ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.'']
 
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#{{note|suicide}}Wichstrøm L, Hegna K. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12653422?ordinalpos=22&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Sexual orientation and suicide attempt: a longitudinal study of the general Norwegian adolescent population.]
 
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#{{note|yarhouse}} Yarhouse MA. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281794?ordinalpos=13&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Same-sex attraction, homosexual orientation, and gay identity: a three-tier distinction for counseling and pastoral care]
 

Version actuelle datée du 22 avril 2010 à 08:23

"Love thy neighbor as thyself" is one of the two great commandments given by Jesus Christ. No teaching and no commandment conflicts with this law. In the Church, we believe all mankind are our brothers and sisters. All who are baptized into the Church have made a covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given us. This covenant requires us to act as Christ would act, including the duty to love, serve and uplift our brothers and sisters who are attracted to the same gender,[1] including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian.

The other great commandment is to love God, and this includes a devotion to obey and proclaim His commandments, including the commandment to abstain from same-sex relationships. Obeying these commandments will bring happiness and peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. Many people are striving to obey these commandments, and others will become converted upon hearing the restored gospel of Christ.

We can love our neighbor by welcoming them to come unto Christ and inviting them to keep His commandments. We affirm that all mankind can obey these commandments. We respect everyone's choices, even if they decide to disobey the commandments of God. In this way we balance our duty to love God, welcome and affirm those who may want to obey His commandments, and respect those who do not.

The Church is welcoming

The Church welcomes all people to come unto Christ. President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. In 1999, he made the following statement:

"As I said from this pulpit one year ago, 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." [2]

Like all of God's children, the Church teaches that people who refer to themselves as gay are beloved sons and daughters of God and are loved by the Church and its leaders. This love has always been extended by leaders of the Church. In one of the Church's first pamphlets geared towards homosexuality, President Kimball reminds the readers to:

"Remember, the Lord loves you, the Church loves you."[3]

The Church has developed several publications designed to reach out to members with same-sex attractions. The most recent, God Loveth His Children, assures that:

"No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God’s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters."[4]

Elder Oaks similarly stated:

"Church leaders are sometimes asked whether there is any place in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for persons with homosexual or lesbian susceptibilities or feelings. Of course there is." [5]

Many people with same-sex attractions are faithful members of the Church, as evidenced by the several organizations formed by these members, such as Evergreen International and North Star. LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who are attracted to the same sex.[6] Their stories have been profiled in the Ensign[7], and several books published by Church members.[8] General Authorities attend Evergreen meetings, and the proceedings are published on the Church's web site.[9]

The church welcomes all people, whether they refer to themselves as gay or straight. Many who refer to themselves as gay have accepted this invitation by joining the church, where they have found peace.

We welcome while teaching against same-sex relationships

Everyone is welcome to participate in our services, but to be a member one must first make a covenant to follow the commandments of God. Jesus Christ taught that we should abstain from fornication and adultery.[10] This includes all relationships besides those between a husband and a wife. People with same-sex attractions are subject to these laws as much as those with opposite-sex attractions. You cannot have a same-sex relationship without disobeying the commandments given to us by Jesus Christ. We are not at liberty to change the law for a segment of the population. We will continue to defend this standard and the definition that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Those who refer to themselves as gay are not necessarily having same-sex relationships. Gay is an adjective that can refer to thoughts, attractions or behaviors.[11] Having same-sex attractions, participating in same-sex relationships, and identifying as gay or lesbian are three separate things. A study by the Social Organization of Sexuality found that 60% of men and 68% of women who were attracted to the same gender have never engaged in homosexual behavior. This number differs from those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. For them, only 13% of men and 4% of women have never engaged in homosexual behavior. From studies like these, the American Psychological Association has determined that "Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."[12] Some who have engaged in homosexual behavior have stopped and others will stop when they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and are converted.

Because of the strong correlation between identifying as gay or lesbian and having homosexual relationships, many members of the church who are attracted to the same gender do not refer to themselves as gay. For members of the church, our main identity is not the gender we are attracted to, but the fact that we are sons or daughters of God. As such, the Church does not refer to people as either gay or straight. Some may chose to continue to refer to themselves as gay or straight and they are welcome in the church.

The Church is affirming

The church affirms that those with same-sex attraction are good people including those who refer to themselves as gay and seeks to assure them that they can find peace and happiness in this life. In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, President Hinckley stated:

"Now we have gays in the church. Good people."[13]

Not all members who identify as gay have felt this. Elder Holland recounts the story of one man who was concerned that because he was gay, he could not be a good member of the church. Elder Holland affirmed that he had not transgressed, and promised:

"If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement."[14]

Church leaders have not limited their affirmation to those who keep the standards of the Church. In the "Miracle of Forgiveness", Spencer W. Kimball said that he found that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."[15]

This affirmation is important as many people with same-sex attraction may feel that they are not good people. By assuring people with same-sex attractions that they are good people, the church affirms them in their identity as children of God. Instruction given to Church leaders explains:

"When members with homosexual problems come to you for help, they may feel guilty and in despair, having been unable to change their lives. You can instill hope in them. Help them to know that you and their Heavenly Father love them and that they can be healed from their afflictions through the atonement of the Savior."[16]

The leaders of the Church understand and support their members with same-sex attractions. They recognize that some may face struggles with their same-sex attractions. In reference to a man with same-sex attractions, Elder Holland said:

"I weep with admiration and respect at the faith and courage of such a man who is living with a challenge I have never faced. I love him and the thousands like him, male or female, who 'fight the good fight' (1 Timothy 6:12). I commend his attitude to all who struggle with—or who are helping others who struggle with—same-gender attraction." [17]

The Church is helpful

The church seeks to help all people, including those with same-sex attractions. President Hinckley explains:

"Well, we're not anti-gay. We are pro-family. Let me put it that way. And we love these people and try to work with them and help them."[18]

Elder Oaks taught:

"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 burdens" (Mosiah 18:8) "and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2)."[19]

There are many ways in which the Church helps those with same-sex attractions. The Church has sought to protect people from physical and verbal abuse regardless of their choice in sexual conduct. Elder Oaks further taught:

"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."[20]

Beyond simply teaching this doctrine, the Church has advocated for legal protections for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is significant because the Church only becomes involved in politics if serious moral issues are involved.[21] When Salt Lake City asked the Church for its opinion on an ordinance which would protect people from housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Church supported the measure. In the official statement, they said it was a "common-sense right" and a question of "human dignity".[22] Elder Holland said it could be a model for the rest of Utah.[23] This was done even though the Utah legislature, at the time, was against extending such rights.

The Church also helps people with same-sex attractions by steering them away from destructive patterns. The Church helps them to see that they shouldn't blame themselves for their sexual orientation.[24] The leadership has recently warned against aversive therapies that have been used on people with same-sex attractions which have been shown to be abusive by the scientific field.[25] They have spoken out against using marriage as a therapeutic step to change sexual orientation,[26] while at the same time supporting those who want to get married to someone of the opposite sex for whom they have developed an attraction.[27] They have warned leaders that "encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement."[28] They have assured members that having same-sex attractions is not a sin[29] and if they remain faithful they can receive all the blessings that Heavenly Father has promised His children, with no requirement to change sexual orientation.[30]

Most important, the teachings of the Church on homosexuality help people with same-sex attractions to obey the commandments of God and find peace in their lives. Directing his comments to men who pursue same-sex relationships, Spencer W. Kimball taught:

"The Church and the Lord have no ulterior motives - the only desire being for the restoration of you, yourself, a son of God, made in his image".[31]

The Church brings peace

By coming to Christ, we can find peace and happiness in this life. We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us His name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey His commandments. Teaching and encouraging our brothers and sisters to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ. Proclaiming the gospel is one of the greatest goods we can do for our brothers and sisters, and will bring them the greatest joy.

The path that leads to eternal life is straight and narrow, but we want as many of our brothers and sisters to find that path as possible. Elder Oaks explains the natural consequences if we do not follow the law of chastity:

"Those commandments, if they are not adhered to, result in guilt. That guilt is painful to people. There are two solutions to that guilt. One is to disbelieve in God or hold a congress and pretend that you can change God's commandments. The other is to discontinue that kind of conduct to the best of your ability."[32]

Elder Oaks teaches there are two approaches to deal with guilt. Our approach of promoting the commandments of the Lord will help alleviate the guilt people feel when they break the commandments of God, and does more to help someone feel good then attempting to change the commandments.

There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, the Church rejects people—including those who engage in homosexual practices—who choose to not follow this law. Elder Packer responded to this concern by saying:

"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." [33]

There are many members with same-sex attractions who want to live this higher moral code and find that the teachings of the Church are encouraging. Others will want to live the higher moral code upon hearing the restored gospel. This is one of the reasons why the Church teaches its members to abstain from same-sex relationships. Elder Wickman explains:

"One of the purposes of that discussion was to try to be hopeful and encouraging to those who do but nonetheless want to conform their lives to what they understand the Lord's teachings to be."[34]

Joseph Smith once taught that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary for salvation. Certainly, we would want as many people to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation as possible. If we teach that people with opposite-sex attractions need to be willing to sacrifice their sexual desires, but not people with same-sex attractions, then we are doing a disservice to those with same-sex attractions.

The Church is empowering

An essential part of obeying the commandments is having the faith that you are capable of obeying the commandments. We believe all people can accomplish the things which the Lord commands them.(1 Nephi 3:7) Unfortunately, too often people are told that they do not have the ability to obey the commandments of God. Without the faith that they can obey the commandments of God, they become weak and become victims of their circumstances, rather than learning to act for themselves. By teaching that they can act for themselves, people are empowered to choose whether or not they will obey the commandments of God.

Many believe that people with same-sex attractions need to participate in same-sex relationships in order to be true to themselves, which by extension means they are incapable of obeying God's commandments. They preach the doctrine that people who they refer to as gay or lesbian are created with only one choice about their sexual behavior. For example, in the California Supreme Court case "In Re: Marriage", the court ruled that being gay was something "into which the class members are locked by the accident of birth" and that their "choice of a life partner will, by definition, be a person of the same sex."[35] They leave no room for a person they identified as gay to make a decision that would be in harmony with gospel, which implies that some people are born to disobey God. This thought is very harmful to those who they identify as gay or lesbian. They may come to believe that they have no power over their sexual urges, and their only choice is to act on them. This can cause those who want to obey the commandments of God to feel trapped and may lead to hopelessness and despair.

The Iowa Supreme Court similarly said those who they have identified as gay cannot fulfill "their deeply felt need for a committed personal relationship" in a marriage to someone of the opposite sex.[36] Denying the existence of people who have had success only serves to alienate them and push them further into the closet. It may make them second guess themselves, which may weaken their marriage. The Church is one of the few places that supports people in mixed-orientation marriages.

Psychologists have found that it is unhealthy to prevent a person from living according to their values. They found that telling them they are incapable of living according to their values interferes with their autonomy and self-determination, which is a key element to a successful resolution in therapy.[37] The American Psychological Association has instructed psychologists to help clients make their own informed choices when they come to them for help with unwanted same-sex attractions. They are to support them in living according to their own values, even if this means helping them change their sexual orientation identity.[38] They have not found that helping clients reject their same-sex attractions produces any negative effects, and in some cases, they recommend it for clients.[39]

The message of the Church to all people is that "ye are free, ye are permitted to act for yourselves." (Helaman 14:30) While we teach against sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage, we also teach that all are free to chose good or evil. We uphold that each individual is free to chose their own values according to the dictates of their own conscious (AoF 12), and advocate their free exercise to act according to those values. (D&C 134:2) The ability to choose is considered one of the most precious gifts given from God to man. We fought a war in heaven to protect this agency. If someone who refers to themself as gay or lesbian is told and comes to believe that they are incapable of following the commandments of God, then they do not truly have the ability to chose for themselves. They have lost their agency. This is not God's plan for His children.

God Loveth His Children affirms that everyone has a choice in their sexual behavior and they are capable of living the commandments of God. It reads:

"Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life."[40]

While some organizations say that people with same-sex attractions do not have the ability to obey the laws of God, the Church tells them that they can. This empowers them. The Church teaches that they are in control of their destiny, and they can make of their life what they want.

The Church helps family members

Another way the Church extends a helping hand to people who are attracted to the same sex is by supporting their families. They encourage family members to love and reach out to their family members, regardless of how they choose to live their lives. In a 1992 statement to Church leaders, the Church counseled:

"If a person with homosexual problems chooses not to change, family members may have difficulty maintaining feelings of love and acceptance toward the person. Encourage them to continue loving the person and hoping that he or she may repent." [41]

This was reiterated by Elder Oaks in 1997: "

Surely if we are counseled as a body of Church membership to reach out with love and understanding to those ‘struggling with these issues,’ that obligation rests with particular intensity on parents who have children struggling with these issues... even children who are engaged in sinful behavior associated with these issues" [42]

The Church helps family members to balance their love for their children who choose not to obey God's commandments and their love for God and devotion to His commandments. Elder Oaks explains:

"Love and tolerance are incomplete unless they are accompanied by a concern for truth and a commitment to the unity God has commanded of his servants... Carried to an undisciplined excess, love and tolerance can produce indifference to truth and justice, and opposition to unity."[43]

Families with members with same-sex attractions are strengthened through living the principles of love and respect taught by Jesus Christ and reiterated in the Proclamation to the World on the Family.[44] The sister of a woman (Leigh) who is involved in a sexual relationship with another woman wrote an "Ensign" article in which she describes how the Church has helped her with her relationship with her sister:

"I know the best thing I can do to have a close relationship with my sister is to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son. Leigh recently commented that it has been through the way our family has loved her that she has felt what she understood to be God’s love." [45]

One of the best services that we can perform for our brothers and sisters is to help them feel the love of God through our actions. This can be done while holding strong to the teachings of the gospel.

The Church is respectful

By empowering people with same-sex attraction to make their own decision regarding their sexual behavior, some will decide of their own free will and choice not to obey the standards of the church and hence disqualify themselves from membership in the Church. We respect their decision. However, respecting their decision does not require the church to agree with their decision, nor does it require that we go against those who deal with same-sex attractions in a manner consistent with the commandments of God. Elder Oaks taught:

"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination."[46]

While we may disagree with the decision to pursue same-sex relationships, we always strive to uplift those who have made that choice and show kindness to them. For example, the Church has always been supportive of civil rights for all people.[47] This includes those who choose to enter same-sex relationships. We do not oppose any civil rights, including those regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.[48] (The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right.)[49] The statement showing support for the Salt Lake anti-discrimination bill reads:

"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree - in fact, especially when we disagree. The Church’s past statements are on the public record for all to see. In these comments and in our actions, we try to follow what Jesus Christ taught. Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."[50]

By always showing love and respect to those we disagree with, while holding firm to the commandments, the Church balances its duty to show love to God by defending and proclaiming His commandments; welcome, affirm and help those with same-sex attractions who may want to obey the commandments of God; and love our neighbor, regardless of the choices they make.

We welcome and affirm those with same-sex attractions, including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian, just as we do for those with opposite-sex attractions. The actions of the Church have consistently been based in love for all of God's children.

Endnotes

  1. [retour]  http://www.kcci.com/download/2009/0403/19084885.pdf
  2. [retour]  1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  3. [retour] Hinckley, Gordon B. (Nov 1999). Why We Do Some of the Things We Do. Ensign.
  4. [retour] God Loveth His Children, off-site
  5. [retour]  1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  6. [retour]  Evergreen International Resources for Individuals
  7. [retour] For example, see Becoming Whole Again and My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction
  8. [retour]  - Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction - LDS Newsroom
  9. [retour] Kimball, Spencer W., (1971), New Horizons for Homosexuals LDS Church off-site .
  10. [retour]  1998 What Are People Asking about Us? Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
  11. [retour] Lattin, Don, (1997), Musings of the Main Mormon: Gordon B. Hinckley off-site
  12. [retour] Kimball, Spencer W., (1969), The Miracle of Forgiveness Bookcraft
  13. [retour]  Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  14. [retour]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  15. [retour] 1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  16. [retour]  1998 What Are People Asking about Us? Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
  17. [retour]  Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances
  18. [retour]  LDS apostle: SLC gay-rights measures could work for state
  19. [retour] #1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  20. [retour] Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  21. [retour] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  22. [retour] Hinckley, Gordon B., (1987), Reverence and Morality off-site
  23. [retour]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  24. [retour] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  25. [retour] Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  26. [retour]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  27. [retour] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  28. [retour]  (1995), The Family: A Proclamation to the World , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church .
  29. [retour] “The Best Thing I Can Do for Leigh,” Ensign, Sep 2009, 62–65
  30. [retour]   [ATTENTION!]
  31. [retour]  Packer Ye Are the Temple of God
  32. [retour]  In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America off-site 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.
  33. [retour] God Loveth His Children, off-site
  34. [retour]  New Horizons




  1. [retour]  See Matt 19:18, Matt 15:19 and Mark 7:21. This excludes all sexual relationships between unmarried people. It was apparent that Christ only recognized marriage between a man and a woman. (Matt 19:4-6) Modern revelation confirms that the Biblical teaching against adultery and fornication prohibits sexual relationships between everyone besides husband and wife.
  2. [retour]  A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity: Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions
  3. [retour]  In re MARRIAGE CASES
  4. [retour]  (2009), Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation off-site
  5. [retour]  (2004), A Conversation with Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints off-site
  6. [retour]  (2004), In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-gender Attraction Deseret Book off-site .
  7. [retour] A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.
  8. [retour]  In the 1963 General Conference, Hugh B. Brown stated: "it is a moral evil for any person or group of persons to deny any human being the rights to gainful employment, to full educational opportunity, and to every privilege of citizenship". He continued: "We call upon all men everywhere, both within and outside the church, to commit themselves to the establishment of full civil equality for all of God's children. Anything less than this defeats our high ideal of the brotherhood of man."
  9. [retour]  There have been several studies which have investigated the effects of gay affirmative therapies on clients whose religious values go contrary to the ideals of gay affirmative therapy. For example, see Beckstead, A. Lee , "Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy", The Counseling Psychologist 651–690 Throckmorton, Warren , "Counseling practices as they relate to ratings of helpfulness by consumers of sexual reorientation therapy", {{{journal}}} 332–42 and Haldeman, Douglas (2004), "When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide:Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients", The Counseling Psychologist 691. Each have discovered that there are gay people for whom gay affirmative therapy is not helpful. This has lead the American Psychological Associate to issue a statement which reads "Mental health professional organizations call on their members to respect a person's (client's) right to selfdetermination".[51] When dealing with these gay patients, they have determined that the appropriate application of affirmative therapeutic interventions is one which "involves therapist acceptance, support, and understanding of clients and the facilitation of clients’ active coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, without imposing a specific sexual orientation identity outcome." [Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx]
  10. [retour]  Some have accused the church of denying a group of people their civil right to marry based on their sexual orientation. This is not true. Nowhere is there any requirement based on sexual orientation in order to marry. People of all sexual orientations get married in all parts of the world. Many members with same-sex attractions have been able to form fulfilling and faithful marriages to people of the opposite sex. Marriage, as defined by God, is a union between a man and a woman, and everyone is allowed to participate. Political involvement by the church has been focused on protecting this definition. Same-sex marriage is not really a marriage by the definition given by God and is therefore not a civil right. Elder Oaks explains: "The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right. We have endured a wave of media-reported charges that the Mormons are trying to "deny" people or "strip" people of their "rights." After a significant majority of California voters (seven million - over 52 percent) approved Proposition 8’s limiting marriage to a man and a woman, some opponents characterized the vote as denying people their civil rights. In fact, the Proposition 8 battle was not about civil rights, but about what equal rights demand and what religious rights protect. At no time did anyone question or jeopardize the civil right of Proposition 8 opponents to vote or speak their views."
  11. [retour]  (Dallin Oaks, "Our strengths can become our downfall, " Ensign, October, 1994, 19.
  12. [retour] Oaks, Dallin H., (1999), Weightier Matters , BYU Devotional speech:
  13. [retour]  [

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]

  1. [retour]  Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances
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