Several hundred expected to protest new LDS policy

Several hundred people are expected at a rally in Salt Lake City on Saturday to protest Mormon policy changes targeting gay members and their children.

The event comes one day after the Mormon church stood behind its new rules, while issuing clarifications and explanations.

Brooke Swallow, one of the organizers, says they are hoping for as many as 600 people at an event where participants announce they are renouncing their membership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormon church spokesman Eric Hawkins says in a statement that officials hope the clarifications issued Friday provide understanding and context to Latter-day Saints considering leaving the faith.

The rules ban baptisms for children living with gay parents until they turn 18 and make gay marriages a sin worthy of expulsion.