LDS leaders call for balance of gay rights, religious liberties
Mormon church leaders are making a national appeal for a “balanced approach” in the clash between gay rights and religious freedom.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it does support and will continue to support housing and job protections for gays and lesbians, but also seeks legal protections for believers who object to the behavior of others.
“When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender.”
It’s not clear how much common ground the Mormons will find with this new campaign. The church insists it is making no changes in doctrine, and still believes it’s against the law of God to have sex outside marriage between a man and a woman.
“We are at our best as fellow citizens when the push-pull of different viewpoints, freely and thoroughly aired in national debate, leads ultimately to compromise and resolution and we move on as a nation, stronger than before,” said Neill F. Marriott of the Young Women general presidency.
Reporter Chris Nestman is preparing a story on what this announcement means to our area on Local News 8 at 5 and 6 and KIDK Eyewitness News at 5:30. For more on the news conference, click here.
