Mormon church bans all children with same-sex parents
People who have two mums or two dads will be banned from being part of the Mormon church – even if they’re straight themselves.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, brought in the harsh new policy in its updated guidebooks this week.
The new rule states that all children living with same-sex parents or guardians will be barred from being baptized or becoming Church members for the entirety of their childhood.
The only way that devout Mormons with same-sex parents can now become members is by waiting until they’re of “legal age”, leaving home, and “disavowing the practice of same-gender cohabitation and marriage”.
Even if they disavow and cut off contact from their gay parents, the person would only be allowed in with special permission from the Church’s Office of the First Presidency.
Church spokesman Erik Hawkins said: “Church handbooks are policy and procedural guides for lay leaders who must administer the Church in many varied circumstances throughout the world.
“The Church has long been on record as opposing same-sex marriages. While it respects the law of the land, and acknowledges the right of others to think and act differently, it does not perform or accept same-sex marriage within its membership.”
The guidebook also specifies that entering into a same-gender marriage is considered apostasy – deserting the religion.
Equality Utah said: “In America all churches have the religious liberty to welcome or exclude whomever they desire.
“But we know that children of same-sex parents are treasures of infinite worth. In our universe, all God’s children have a place in the choir.”
Salt Lake City, where the LDS Church has its global headquarters, recently elected a lesbian mayor.
