Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ

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Mormonism and same-sex attraction

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Questions

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• The Church is accused of rejecting people who experience same-sex attraction.
• The Church is accused of rejecting people who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.

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Answer

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The Church does not reject those who experience same-sex attraction. It is possible to experience same-sex attraction and be a faithful member in full fellowship. If those feelings take the form of an intimate physical relationship, then this is considered a sin in the same manner as when heterosexual feelings take the form of an intimate physical relationship outside of marriage.

Detailed Analysis

The Church's response

I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. 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. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.
—Gordon B. Hinckley, “Why We Do Some of the Things We Do,” Ensign, Nov 1999, 52.

The Church distinguishes between having same-sex attraction versus acting upon those feelings. Elder Dallin Oaks notes the distinction between having feelings of same-sex attraction and acting upon those feelings,

[W]e should always distinguish between sinful acts and inappropriate feelings or potentially dangerous susceptibilities. We should reach out lovingly to those who are struggling to resist temptation. The First Presidency did this in their 14 November 1991 letter. After reaffirming the sinful nature of “fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior,” the Presidency added: “Individuals and their families desiring help with these matters should seek counsel from their bishop, branch president, stake or district president. We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues. Many will respond to Christlike love and inspired counsel as they receive an invitation to come back and apply the atoning and healing power of the Savior.
—Dallin H. Oaks, “Same-Gender Attraction,” Ensign, Oct 1995, 7.

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Topics

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Bullying and unkindness

Summary: Critics claim that LDS teachings against homosexual acts lead to bullying of gay youth or unchristian treatment of members or non-members with same-sex attraction. The Church has consistently taught that all people are children of God, and ought to be treated with love, dignity, and respect. They have specifically mentioned people with same-sex attraction, including those who act on their attractions.

Are family members taught to reject their children?

Summary: Critics claim that LDS church encourages families to reject their children who are attracted to the same sex, identify as gay or participate in homosexual behavior, leading to a higher rate of homeless youth among Mormon families. LDS scripture makes clear that parents have a duty to care for their children regardless of the circumstances. DC 83:4 reads: "All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age."

Church support of non-discrimination ordinances

Summary: Since the Church teaches that homosexual conduct is sinful, does this mean it opposes efforts to protect those who engage in homosexual acts? The Church sustains the principle that all citizens are equal before the law. Members of the Church are particularly sensitized to this issue because of their long history of persecution at the hands of private citizens and government agents in the nineteenth century. Even though Church members may disagree with the choices made by those who engage in homosexual acts, the Church has endorsed various measures to ensure fair treatment and others who are attracted to the same sex.

Difficulties

Summary: Church leaders have encouraged members to be particularly kind and compassionate to those struggling with SSA. What are some of the unique challenges or difficulties faced by such members?  ^{[needs work]}

Persist beyond death?

Summary: Does attraction to the same sex persist beyond death?  ^{[needs work]}

Eternal fate of those unmarried?

Summary: In his article in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, James T. Duke explains the LDS doctrine on this subject: "People who live a worthy life but do not marry in the temples, for various reasons beyond their control, which might include not marrying, not having heard the gospel, or not having a temple available so that the marriage could be sealed for eternity, will at some time be given this opportunity. Latter-day Saints believe it is their privilege and duty to perform these sacred ordinances vicariously for deceased progenitors, and for others insofar as possible."

Marriage as therapy?

Summary: Critics claim that Church leaders have advocated that those with same-sex attraction marry those of the opposite sex as part of the "therapy" for overcoming their same-sex desires or inclinations. The prophets and general authorities have, in their written statements, long been clear that marriage is not to be seen as a "treatment" for same-sex attraction.

Marriage as a possibility

Summary: Critics claim it is harmful for Church leaders to allow those with same-sex attraction to voluntarily enter into a marriage. The Church has warned against entering into a marriage under false pretense, but there is no evidence that when done openly and honestly, these types of marriages fair any worse than other types of marriages.

Why do some people have same-sex attraction?

Summary: What have past and present Church leaders taught about why some people are attracted to the same sex? The Church does not have an official position on the causes for same-sex attraction. Many Church leaders have indicated that we do not know the cause(s), and that this is a question for science.

• • Is SSA "genetic"?—
    Brief Summary: Is same-sex attraction "inborn"? Is it "genetic"? (Click here for full article)
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  • Suicide and same-sex attraction?—
    Brief Summary: Critics charge that: 1) suicide rates are higher for those with same-sex attraction, 2) Church doctrine and teaching causes these higher suicide rates, and 3) there is an "epidemic" of suicide among gay Mormons (Click here for full article)
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President Boyd K. Packer's October 2010 conference talk

Summary: On October 10, 2010, President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Church's semi-annual general conference. Portions of President Packer's talk caused a firestorm of protest and, often, misrepresentation. This article examines President Packer's address, and compares it to past talks given by President Packer. As will be seen, President Packer's address has been misunderstood and misrepresented.

• • Critics' tactics—
    Brief Summary: Given that same-sex attraction is a charged issue with political overtones, it is not surprising that some sincerely misunderstood President Packer's talk. Just as there are those who could sincerely misunderstand President Packer's talk, there are those who choose, for whatever reason, to purposely misunderstand. (Click here for full article)
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Terminology

Summary: Why does FAIR (and other LDS sources) typically refer to homosexual/gay/lesbian issues with such terms as "same-sex attraction" and heterosexual/straight issues with such terms as "opposite-sex attraction"?

Can a person identify as gay or lesbian and still be a member of the Church in good standing?

Summary: It is asserted that: 1) Members are encouraged to lie about their sexual orientation, 2) This isolates them from other members, and 3) Denying your sexual identity is harmful. Those who identify as straight, gay or bisexual are welcome in the Church and can go on as all other members. When a person joins the Church, they take upon themselves the name of Christ. We are taught to shun any identity which conflicts with this identity. The Church recognizes that a person's orientation is a core characteristic, but emphasizes that it is not the only one. We are encouraged not to identify ourselves primarily by our sexual feelings, but this is different than being closeted. We are not encouraged to lie or pretend to have another sexual orientation. This counsel extends to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

Aversion therapy performed at BYU in the 1970's

Summary: What was the history of BYU and aversion therapy for treating homosexuality in the 1970's? How did that relate to medical and psychological science as understood at that time? What was the role of the Church in BYU's treatments?

Are members with same-sex attraction encouraged to be closeted or lie about their attractions?

Summary: Member with same-sex attractions are not encouraged to lie or hide their sexual attractions or to isolate themselves from others. All members are encouraged to avoid labels and not to identify themselves primarily by their sexual feelings. However, there is a difference between not identifying yourself primarily by your sexual feelings, and being "closeted". A person can be honest, share their feelings with others and be comfortable with who they are, including their sexuality, while still realizing that they are first and foremost a child of God.

What are the ramifications from denying a gay identity?

Summary: Critics argue that in order to be happy and healthy, a person with same-sex attraction needs to identify as gay and have a same-sex relationship. The church encourages members to view themselves as sons and daughters of God, and discourages any identity that interferes with that identity. Members who refer to themselves as straight, gay or lesbian are free to go on as all other members, but are advised not to identify themselves primarily by their sexual feelings.

Feelings versus acts

Summary: What have past and present Church leaders taught about the distinction (if any) between sexual temptations, desires, feelings, or inclinations, and sexual acts?

Being able to associate with people with same-sex attraction

Summary: Does the church allow people with same-sex attraction to associate with each other?

Early LDS did not oppose homosexual acts?

Summary: Critics claim that Joseph Smith and other nineteenth century Mormons were not strenuously opposed to same-sex acts or intimacy, and that the modern Church's opposition to homosexual conduct is a later aberration. Historian D. Michael Quinn's book, Same-Sex Dynamics Among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example is almost solely responsible for this claim. Quinn's methodology and conclusions are shoddy, and have been severely criticized by LDS and non-LDS historians.

• • A FAIR Analysis of Same-Sex Dynamics Among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example—
    Brief Summary: FAIR analyzes claims made in a book by D. Michael Quinn that asserts that same-sex intimacy was accepted in the early 19th-century Church. (Click here for full article)
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False analogy between same-sex marriage and the priesthood ban

Summary: An examination and comparison of the differences between the way the Church approaches same-sex attraction as opposed to the Priesthood ban.

False analogy between same-sex marriage and plural marriage

Summary: An examination and comparison of the differences between the way the Church approaches same-sex attraction as opposed to plural marriage.  ^{[needs work]}

Latter-day Saints and California Proposition 8

Summary: The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church regarding a variety of issues including the separation of church and state, the Church's position relative to people who experience same-sex attraction, accusations of bigotry by members, and the rights of a non-profit organization to participate in the democratic process on matters not associated with elections of candidates.

• • Does the Church seek to "impose its morality" on others?—
    Brief Summary: Critics charge that by its political opposition to same-sex marriage, the Church is attempting to "impose its own morality" on those who are not members. The Church opposes legislation that seeks to control conscience or suppress the freedom of the soul and has supported legislation that expands the freedom to choose same-sex relationships. It has also sought to preserve the legal definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. These two things do not conflict. (Click here for full article)
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  • How does same-sex marriage affect religious freedoms?—
    Brief Summary: Religious freedoms and gay rights conflict in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways. This explains some of the potential threats to religious freedoms if marriage is redefined. (Click here for full article)
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  • Does the Church oppose rights for same-sex couples?—
    Brief Summary: The Church has emphasized that it does not object to the extension of rights associated with marriage to same-sex couples, as long as it does not interfere with other rights. Its objection is limited to redefining marriage so that it no longer refers to a union between a man and a woman. (Click here for full article)
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  • How will changing the definition of marriage affect families?—
    Brief Summary: Part of the reasoning that the Church gave for protecting the definition of marriage is the effects it will have on families. What are those effects? What are the pros and cons of changing the definition of marriage? (Click here for full article)
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  • How does the definition of marriage affect agency?—
    Brief Summary: Does the Church inhibit the agency of same-sex couples in defending the definition of marriage? Does changing the definition of marriage affect the agency of members of the Church with SSA? (Click here for full article)
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  • A FAIR Analysis of: 8: The Mormon Proposition—
    Brief Summary: FAIR analyzes a documentary that purports to expose the "truth" behind the Church's involvement in California Proposition 8. (Click here for full article)
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Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims