Leaked Mormon Church guidebook claims teenage masturbation ’causes homosexuality’
A leaked Mormon Church guidebook claims that homosexuality can be caused by too much teenage masturbation.
The document, drawn up by the leadership of the Mormon Church, was leaked this week – providing concrete proof that the church advocates gay ‘cure’ therapy and has conducted homophobic purges.
The official Mormon guidance, written in 1981 but in circulation for many years, reveals some of the bizarre Freudian assumptions at the heart of the church’s teachings.
The leaked document claims that homosexuality can be caused by a number of factors – including teenage masturbation.
It said: “Early homosexual experiences increase the possibility of future homosexual encounters.
“Early masturbation experiences introduce the individual to sexual thoughts which may become habit forming and reinforcing to homosexual interests.”
It adds: “Self-masturbation is almost universal among those who engage in homosexual behavior, and is a very difficult habit for most to overcome.
“The fantasies that attend this behavior are often the most powerful aspects of the act.
“You can use the assessment, counseling, and goal-setting materials in this booklet to help a member eliminate the problem.”
Apparently other causes of homosexuality include childhood sexual abuse, a “disturbed family background”, and overbearing mothers.
The documents also sets out the belief that gay people must be purged from the Church establishment.
It says: “Persons who have engaged in homosexual activities and who have not totally repented and forsaken these evil practices will not be admitted to study at or be employed by any Church university, college, school, or program.
“Students or staff who engage in such behavior while involved with the Church Educational System will be dismissed.
“Procedures for dealing with missionaries who are involved in active homosexual practices in the mission field are the same as for those who commit adultery or fornication.”
In a bid to discourage homosexual behaviour among missionaries, the document reveals that they are banned from sharing a bed.
It states: “Missionaries should always find housing accommodations that provide separate beds. All bathing and dressing should be done with propriety and privacy.”
The documents also provide concrete proof that the church advocates gay ‘cure’ therapy.
It states: “Homosexual behaviour is learned and can be overcome.
“To believe that immoral behaviour is inborn or hereditary is to deny that men have agency to choose between sin and righteousness.
“The Lord has given man the freedom to make moral choices, and this agency is the cornerstone of his plan for exaltation.
“He has revealed that the ultimate goal for man is eternal life. It is inconceivable that- as some involved in homosexual behaviour claim- he would permit some of his children to be born with desires and inclinations which would require behaviour contrary to the eternal plan.”
The document also discloses the protocols for church purges, with church officials questioning suspected homosexuals to find names of their sexual partners.
It explains: “A court may need to be convened in behalf of a member guilty of homosexual behaviour.
“The bishop or stake president determines the extent of repentance and Church discipline needed to provide redemption.”
“Since homosexual behaviour is possible only with others, the individual should disclose his sexual partners as an essential part of repentance. The purpose is to help save others.
“The leader to whom the names are disclosed should refer the names to the individuals’ priesthood leaders tor follow-up action.
“Priesthood leaders must be careful not to reveal their sources as they make contact with those whose names they are given.”
MormonLeaks said: “MormonLeaks is a non profit media organization founded on the belief that increased transparency within the Mormon Church results in fewer untruths, less corruption, and less abuse within Mormonism.
“The organisation provides sources and whistleblowers the technical ability to anonymously submit sensitive documents for use by professional and citizen journalists for starting and expanding news reporting, public commentary, and criticism related to Mormonism.”
The documents were released via MormonLeaks, an anonymous whistleblowing website which has previously exposed corruption, abuse and homophobic practices within the Church.
Previous leaked documents detailed the church’s role in the anti-gay marriage movement during the passage of Prop 8.
The tax-exempt Church has repeatedly sought to downplay its direct political role in the battle over California’s Proposition 8, a measure which succeeded in banning same-sex marriage in 2008.
But leaked documents show how senior church leaders appear to have directly colluded with the campaign to ban same-sex marriage.
The LDS Church has always maintained its activities were comprised of grassroots volunteering.
But a diagram of the campaign leadership appears to show that three senior church leaders, M. Russell Ballard, Quentin L. Cook and L. Whitney Clayton, played a major organisational role.
The documents include an apparent recruitment training manual for Mormon activists taking part in the Prop 8 campaign.
This includes a pre-written script for canvassers who are trying to convince voters to ban same-sex marriage.
It tells campaigners to appeal to concerns about children, directing them to relay to voters that “the best situation is for a child to be raised by a married mother and father in the bond of marriage.”
The script continues: “We should not accept a court decision that results in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It should not be forced on us against our will.”.
A second Mormon document, titled “Proposition 8 Volunteer Outline”, also contains an apparent info sheet for volunteers filled with misinformation.
This claims: “If same sex marriage is legal, it will become illegal not to perform a marriage for them. A school cannot be accredited if it does not teach, professional licenses will not be issued to those who do not agree, tax exempt status could be lost, and our tax dollars would be used to support the education that taught these values.”
It adds: “Gays have the right to live the lifestyle they choose, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else. Proposition 8 respects the rights of gays while still reaffirming traditional marriage.”
The outline directs volunteers to push the line that “protects our children from being taught in public school that same sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, known as the Mormon Church,preaches a rejection of homosexuality unless members remain celibate for life.
The religion also rejects the children of gay couples unless they actively disavow their parents’ “lifestyle”, and has been linked to a number of dangerous gay ‘cure’ practises.
A clampdown on LGBT people in the church has been linked to a surge in Mormon youth suicides – while the church has also used its influence to block LGBT rights legislation in Utah and channel funding to anti-LGBT campaign groups.
