The LDS Church is Under Attack Again, This Time for Supporting Nondiscrimination Legislation in Favor of Individuals with Same-Sex Attraction

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in addition to other Christian faiths against the notion of "gay marriage," has received much attention in the aftermath of California's Proposition 8. Earlier this week, the Church "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" according to the official LDS Newsroom. Now, some are crying foul over the support. Here's a look at the situation at hand.

What Same-Sex Attraction Legislation is Actually Being Supported?

The nondiscrimination ordinances being supported have nothing to do with marriage or unions. Salt Lake City housing and employment are the two areas being discussed. Should individuals with same-sex attraction be protected against employers firing them on the sole basis of their attraction? And, should those individuals also be protected against landlords refusing housing on the sole basis of their attraction? The Church says yes. The legislation has been called "fair and reasonable," able to balance "fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community."

Is the Support a Contradiction to the Church's Past Stance?

Absolutely not! Latter-day Saints believe that marriage between man and woman is ordained of God. That doesn't mean individuals with same-gender attraction should be ostracized and denied rights of housing and employment. Michael Ottterson, as the managing director of Church Public Affairs, explained that this latest stance is "entirely consistent with the Church's prior position on these matters." He went on to add, "I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree--in fact, especially when we disagree."

Is This Political Stance Simply a Public Relations Move?

I don't believe that you can honestly understand the Church and ever think that its leaders would base doctrinal decisions on public relations. But, media outlets have picked up the story and reported, in essence, just that. Colorado's 9News quotes a conservative at the Family Research Council who fears this is an effort to "bend over backwards" and "in part a reaction to the attacks" after Proposition 8. Others have weighed in as well.

Harry Knox, a director at the Human Rights Campaign, thinks (1) the Church's move really only came because "people have been pushing for it" and (2) "It's not something they arrived at on their own and out of the goodness of their hearts."

I can agree with his second point, in a way Mr. Knox likely didn't intend, because Latter-day Saint leaders do not arrive at any doctrinal positions on their own--they act according to the commands of God. But, regarding his first point, God will not be mocked. His appointed prophets and apostles do not legislate according to what people push for. Prop 8 was unpopular; the Church stands steadfast. Celibacy before marriage is unpopular; the Church stands steadfast. Abstaining from drinking and swearing, and so on, is unpopular; the Church stands steadfast.

9News also cites a retired professor, and scholar of Mormonism, as saying "This is a very good public relations response." The professor goes on to say that he understands the move is actually representative of what the Church believes, but the fact that he mentions it in terms of "public relations" is still a bit puzzling. There are plenty of things the Church could do to improve public relations according to the world's standards. It doesn't matter--that's not the point of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church leaders act in accordance with God's standards, be they popular or not.

Conclusion

I understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have its critics. But, it's pointless to expect, or pretend, that the Church will let outside pressures change the doctrines of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no persuasive force more powerful than the spiritual witness individuals can receive from God telling them that what they are doing is, indeed, in line with His great plan of happiness.

The Church's support of nondiscrimination legislation in no way contradicts its previous stance, but rather, effectively demonstrates our belief that, while marriage is ordained of God, all human beings are entitled to these fair civil rights such as housing and employment. Acting as mouthpieces of God, like prophets of old, our modern-day leaders will not sacrifice their apostolic positions to be popular to the world. The Church stands clear and resolute, and no PR team will ever change the mind of God.

Sources:

"Church Supports Nondiscrimnation Ordinances - LDS Newsroom." Newsroom.LDS.org.

"Mormons Throw Support Behind . . . ." 9News.com.