Criticism of Mormonism - Gender Bias and Sexism

Gender Bias and Sexism

Richard and Joan Ostling argue that the LDS Church treats women as inferior to men. The Cult Awareness and Information Centre also point to comments such as those made by LDS leader Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote in 1966 that a "woman's primary place is in the home, where she is to rear children and abide by the righteous counsel of her husband". The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve espouse a complementarian view of gender roles.

Claudia Lauper Bushman notes that, in the 70s and 80s, "just as American women pressed for greater influence", the LDS Church actually decreased its visibility and the responsibilities of women in various areas including welfare, leadership, training, publishing, and policy setting. Despite this, Bushman asserts, "most LDS women tend to be good-natured and pragmatic: they work on the things that they can change and forget the rest."

Jerald and Sandra Tanner point to comments by certain church leaders as evidence that women are subject to different rules regarding entry into heaven. They state that 19th-century leader Erastus Snow preached: "No woman will get into the celestial kingdom, except her husband receives her, if she is worthy to have a husband; and if not, somebody will receive her as a servant".

Those who adopt humanist or feminist perspectives may view certain LDS doctrines (including the spiritual status of blacks, polygamy, and the role of women in society) as racist or sexist.