LDS Church to allow children of LGBT parents to get baptized at 8

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is changing its baptism policy concerning children with parents who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a press release by The Church.

Children will now be able to be baptized at 8-years-old, instead of waiting until they are 18.

They can be baptized if their parents give permission for the baptism and understand both the doctrine that a baptized child will be taught and the covenants he or she will be expected to make. Children no longer need permission from the First Presidency of The Church.

A nonmember parent or parents, including LGBT, can request their baby be blessed by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. The Church says leaders will contact the parents regularly, and that when the child is eight, they will be given the option to be baptized.

The Church has also made changes to its handbook regarding same-sex marriage. It used to characterize the marriage as apostasy, and now it will not be.

“While we still consider such a marriage to be a serious transgression, it will not be treated as apostasy for purposes of Church discipline. Instead, the immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the same way.”

You can view the full press release HERE.