Mormon church backs same-sex marriage – but still insist it’s against God’s will
The St. George Utah Temple in southwest Utah, is the first temple completed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah.(Raymond Boyd/Getty)
The Mormon church has announced its support of same-sex marriage, but also insists it’s against “God’s commandments”.
The Respect For Marriage Act was passed through the Senate thanks to 50 Democrats and 12 Republicans voting in favour of the bill on Wednesday (16 November).
Also in favour of the act is the Utah-based faith, which has 17 million followers, and stated it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they don’t stop religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.
The Mormon church said it will continue to consider same-sex relationships against God’s commandments, NBC News reports.
In a statement posted to its official website, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said: “We are grateful for the continuing efforts of those who work to ensure the Respect for Marriage Act includes appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.”
The church said they “believe this is the way forward”.
“As we work together to preserve the principles and practices of religious freedom together with the rights of LGBTQ individuals much can be accomplished to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.”
Church ‘recognising it’s differences from society’
Mormon’s oppose same-sex marriage and relationships, but in recent years the faith has made underwhelming attempts at supporting LGBTQ+ people.
In 2016, it said same-sex attraction is not a sin, but stated acting on it was.
Professor of religious studies at Utah State University, Patrick Mason, said: “This is part of the church’s overall theology essentially sustaining the law of the land, recognizing that what they dictate and enforce for their members in terms of their behaviour is different than what it means to be part of a pluralistic society.”
Due to a last-minute amendment to protect religious liberty, added in order to win Republican support, the Respect For Marriage Act will now return to the House for final vote, which could come as soon as this week.
If passed, the Act would protect same-sex and interracial marriage.
