Mormon Church Supports Nondiscrimination Ordinances for Gay People

In a surprise turnabout move, the Church of Latter Day Saints now backs gay rights.

(SALT LAKE CITY) - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction.

The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance “is fair and reasonable” and balances fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community.

The remarks, representing the position of the Church’s leadership, were read by Michael Otterson, managing director of Church Public Affairs, as part of a public comment period discussing the ordinances at a Salt Lake City Council meeting tonight. (Read full remarks).

Otterson told city council members: “The issue before you tonight is the right of people to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against. But, importantly, the ordinances also attempts to balance vital issues of religious freedom. In essence, the Church agrees with the approach which Mayor Becker is taking on this matter.”

The Church said that while protections in housing and employment were fair and reasonable, the Church also remains “unequivocally committed to defending the bedrock foundation of marriage between a man and a woman.” Otterson also pointed out that this position was “entirely consistent with the Church’s prior position on these matters.”

The LDS Church is still reeling from the negative fallout for their support for Measure 8 in California, which bans gay marriage.

Otterson added, “I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree — in fact, especially when we disagree.”

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gp November 12, 2009 4:37 am (Pacific time)

SLC! Great Mayor there! Yey for tolerance!

Michael November 11, 2009 10:43 pm (Pacific time)

there is no turnabout!!!! the church has NEVER disriminated against homosexuals!!!!EVER!!! men still can not get married to another man nor woman to woman!they can not hae sex and be full members of the church!!!whatch has changed? the homosexuals will not bully and intimidate this church EVER!!!! go mess with methodist or some other church that changes doctrine like the wind blows!!!

Mike H. November 11, 2009 8:18 pm (Pacific time)

I'm not much of a Bible reader but doesn't it say that it is an abomination in the Bible? My grandfather is an ex pastor of a church and was against gays until he heard that a bunch of scientists said they are born that way...people stand by what they believe, until someone else says what they believe is wrong...If it seems as though I am anti gay, I am not. I could care less what anyone does with their free time, I just don't want to see it. America is free, they should have rights too, for their choices affect nobody but them. Isn't that what our country is based upon?

AB November 11, 2009 7:56 pm (Pacific time)

I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THE CHURCH IN THIS ONE. AFTER THESE GAYS HAVE DISRESPECTED US AS A RELIGION WHEN THEY LOST ON PROP 8 IN CALIFORNIA. THEY HAD HARASSED OUR MISSIONARY'S AND MEMBERS, TAGGED OUR HOLY CHURCHES AND TEMPLES, DISRESPECTED OUR HOLY GROUNDS. WHERE IS OUR DIGNITY AND EVERYTHING WE BELIEVE IN FOR YEARS. I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD SUPPORT THESE GAY'S FOR ANYTHING. IT'S NOT IN OUR BOOK FOR YEARS AND IT SHOULDN'T BE CHANGED TODAY, TOMORROW OR EVER. WE WILL BEAT YOU AGAIN IN THE ELECTIONS FOR THE GAY MARRIAGE HERE IN CALIFORNIA. US AS A RELIGION SHOWING SUPPORT FOR THESE GAYS, IS JUST SHOWING THEM OUR WEAKNESSES FOR THEM. WHY IS IT NOW THAT OUR LEADERS HAVE CHANGED IN WHAT WE BELIEVE FOR SO MANY YEARS? I KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OF MEMBERS THAT AGREE WITH MYSELF. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT WE KNOW THAT WHAT THE LEADER HAS DONE IS WRONG FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH. WHY DID THEY GIVE IN LIKE THAT? I AM A MEMBER OF LDS AND I DISAGREE WITH PROTECTING GAY RIGHTS WHAT SO EVER.

Anonymous November 11, 2009 6:30 pm (Pacific time)

Fair reporting calls for your full disclosure. You reported: "The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance 'is fair and reasonable...'”

Mr. Otterson said: The Church supported the measure "because it is fair and reasonable and does not do violence to the institution of marriage."

If that statement is the philosophy and meaning of support - using the word "violence" to describe someone's civil rights struggle - then the church sent the same message and acted in the same way as before. Nothing has changed for the better.

Editor: Aside from the title, this is an unedited news release from the LDS Church. We're just the messengers.

Stephen Lee November 11, 2009 3:40 pm (Pacific time)

Eh....I think the picture is the San Diego, CA Temple instead of the Salt Lake City, UT Temple.

Editor: Sorry about that, this one is SLC for sure.

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