In what’s being called a “stunning move,” the Mormon Church released a statement in support of the Respect for Marriage Act (HR 8404) that seeks to codify gay marriage into federal law. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, announced its stance last week while clarifying that the church only recognizes straight marriages. The bill would make same-sex & interracial marriage legal on a federal level, independently of the Supreme Court. This comes after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas expressed his interest in dismantling court issued same-sex marital protections as was done to abortion rights.
In its statement the church said, “the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints related to marriage between a man and a woman is well known and will remain unchanged. 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. We believe this approach 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.”
The bill features an amendment that exempts religious & faith-based organizations from having to provide “services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods or privileges for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.” It also ensures that their tax-exempt status can’t be affected by the bill and that it doesn’t apply to polygamous marriages.
The unexpected support for the bill separates the LDS church from other prominent churches in the country. The Catholic Church & the Southern Baptist Convention strongly opposed the bill.