Mormonism and same-gender attraction - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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My Romney Problem

Submitted by Tracy Hall Jr, Aug 9, 2007 04:33

Unless he defines "gay" as sexually active, Mr. McWhorter is wrong when he writes, "A Mormon who is gay is no longer allowed to be a Mormon." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the same standard of sexual conduct for people of all orientations: no sexual activity is permitted outside of marriage, and marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.

The Church welcomes into full fellowship people who have tendencies toward same-gender attraction as long as they remain celibate. It does not encourage people to marry if they cannot develop genuine affection and attraction for someone of the opposite sex. "President [Gordon B.] Hinckley has said that marriage is not a therapeutic step to solve problems."

The quote from the Church President comes from an interview with Dallin H. Oaks and Lance B. Wickman, two senior leaders of the Church. (Go to lds.org; News and Events (top bar); News Room; Public Issues (left bar); Same-Gender Attraction; or try http://tinyurl.com/2xb8jx.)

As a former bishop [lay pastor or minister of a congregation] and stake president [lay leader of about 8-10 congregations], Mitt Romney has no doubt had experience counseling Church members dealing with same-gender attraction in a confidential setting. His public record is one of respect and compassion for all. He has always advocated equal civil rights for all, including for gays, and he has also always opposed same-sex marriage.

Tracy Hall Jr
hthalljr'gmail'com

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
"Mormonism leaves no room for this kind of compromise. If you're not straight, you're gone, no questions asked. You can't... [MORE]	charles	Aug 12, 2007 21:18
With the exception of a few secular European societies in the past 10 years, none have. And there is a... [MORE]	CMartel	Aug 11, 2007 18:14
CMartel states that "Really, does it surprise anyone to see that divorce rates are highest in those nations either fighting... [MORE]	The Stank	Aug 14, 2007 08:55
The author has an obvious tone of bias, no problem though since it;'s an opinion piece. However, his bias should... [MORE]	Jason	Aug 11, 2007 10:03
This article is so misinformed. It would have taken all of 5 minutes for this writer to go the official... [MORE]	David Houghton	Aug 11, 2007 01:59
Anyone can go to a Mormon Church as long as they are respectful of the services. [MORE]	Jaf Fronk	Aug 9, 2007 17:14
Brandon needs to take responsibility for his life. Don't blame your decisions on your church, on certainly on some other... [MORE]	J Lee	Aug 9, 2007 09:33
Homosexuality is not a choice, it is God given. Any church that fails to recognize this and tells it members... [MORE]	The Stank	Aug 9, 2007 13:52
Mr. Stank I truly sympathize with those who are attracted to those of the same sex. But the argument that... [MORE]	J Lee	Aug 9, 2007 15:57
Mr. Lee I take it based on your comments that you are a member of the Church, as am I.... [MORE]	Damon	Aug 10, 2007 15:22
His point still stands. Though the Church doesn't accept homosexual acts, Mr. McWhorter still is blaming the LDS church for... [MORE]	Brian	Aug 11, 2007 11:06
"No one chooses to be attracted to men." Damon, I can't say for sure if the above quote is correct in... [MORE]	J Lee	Aug 13, 2007 08:49
I am a Catholic. Catholicism rejects homosexuality too. I don't agree but I don't reject my Church. Do you expect... [MORE]	Carol Vitucci	Aug 9, 2007 09:09
Unless he defines "gay" as sexually active, Mr. McWhorter is wrong when he writes, "A Mormon who is gay is...	Tracy Hall Jr	Aug 9, 2007 04:33

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