Mormonism and Violence - Violence Related To LGBT People

Violence Related To LGBT People

In its early days, the LDS Church was not a staunch critic of same-sex relationships. The state of Utah did not have a sodomy law until it was imposed on the state by the U.S. federal government. In the time since the LDS Church has begun teaching its beliefs on homosexual practices, there have been situations of violence, and prosecution against gays, lesbian and transgendered people from church leaders and members, discouraged by some and encouraged by others.

In October 1976, LDS Church apostle Boyd K. Packer gave a sermon encouraging young male Latter-day Saints to vigorously resist sexual advances from homosexual peers. The sermon was later published as a pamphlet and was widely circulated to LDS young men. Openly gay historian D. Michael Quinn criticized Packer's comments, saying they constituted an endorsement of gay bashing, and that the church itself endorses such behavior by continuing to publish Packer's speech. Quinn also criticized the LDS Church for not distributing similar publications opposing violence toward homosexuals, although church leaders had previously made public statements condemning gay bashing. For instance, Apostle Dallin H. Oaks of the LDS Church wrote, in regards to application of Mormon doctrines about homosexuality, "ur doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called 'gay bashing'—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior."