Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Mormon church issues new handbook, but policies on homosexuality as bigoted as ever

The Mormon church handed out their new 2010 version of the handbook used by leaders in their church over the weekend. Some are saying their positions on homosexuality have lightened, but have they really?

While it’s true that the Mormons have eliminated some of the more offensive terms, the policies remain unchanged and as bigoted as ever.

By the Mormon church claiming that they have “progressed” in their thinking by making changes, we’re seeing a replay of their support of Salt Lake City’s non-discrimination policies — it costs them nothing to make these small changes but they want the world to praise them for doing it. Sorry, but preaching hate in a nicer way doesn’t change what it is.

On the subject of missions: If someone has participated in homosexual activity during the last 3 teenage years, they can only go on a mission if there is strong evidence of “genuine reformation.” There is a 1 to 3 year waiting period if the person was the “aggressor,” and a person must get a professional evaluation and an HIV test from LDS Family Services (page 29).

Children are still forced to come out to their parents before they may be ready to (page 57).

Homosexuality is still compared to: Attempted Murder, Forcible Rape and Spouse Abuse (page 57).

Homosexual behavior is permanently noted in your church records, meaning no matter where you go the church classifies you as a homo who has committed “sexual sin.” However, heterosexual people who commit “sexual sin” outside of marriage receive no such permanent annotations (page 71).

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