The Mormon LDS palace in Salt Lake City (Photo: AP)
The nation is abuzz today about the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' 11th-hour approval last night of a Salt Lake City ordinance banning discrimination against LGBT people in housing and employment.
The LGBT community in Utah is hailing this as some sort of breakthrough with the LDS church. One person told the AP, "I never thought I would see this in my lifetime," as if a miracle had occurred, like Jesus himself showing up and healing all the sick in Utah.
But everyone seems to be glossing over the fact that the LDS church's approval was unnecessary. As the New York Times pointed out, the ordinance probably already had the unanimous backing of the seven-member City Council anyway. Plus, the ordinance specifies that the church is exempt from the law, so it can still actively discriminate at will without fear of penalty.
"In drafting these ordinances, the city has granted commonsense rights that should be available to everyone, while safeguarding the crucial rights of religious organizations," said Michael Otterson, the director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“It’s the most progressive and inclusive statement that the church has made on these issues,” said Will Carlson, the manager of public policy at Equality Utah, the state’s largest gay rights group. “What they’ve said here is huge, in protecting residents in other municipalities, and statewide.”
But looking at the LDS church's official statement, one can hardly conclude it is a "thunderclap" for gay rights across the state of Utah, as one gay rights advocate proclaimed. Otterson goes on and on about how his statements are not inconsistent with the church's prior statements, and how the church is still devoted to prevent gays from "doing violence" to what the Mormons consider the "bedrock of marriage," whatever they consider that to be these days.
But wait, it gets better. Towleroad is reporting today that the LDS Church's "approval" of the new ordinance was motivated by none other than Mitt Romney. Apparently, Romney saw the church's new film, called 8: The Mormon Proposition, and according to the filmmakers, he put pressure on the church to "extend an olive branch" to the gay community, to try and deflate any negative press that would come from its release, over concern with Romney's anticipated 2012 Presidential run.
If you are a gay Mormon, and you are hoping the LDS Church's approval of this ordinance is a small gesture that may one day turn into a grand gesture and full acceptance of gay rights, here's a little advice - don't hold your breath. It's not happening. The LDS Church will always fall back on its lame "bedrock of marriage" argument to defeat any attempts at furthering gay rights.
Remember folks, these are the same people responsible for reversing the gains the LGBT community so tirelessly worked for in California and Maine, the same people who just a few months ago faced nationwide criticism and spurred "kiss-in" protests because they detained a gay couple for having the gall to express their affection in public, then let their hateful PR spokesperson disastrously handle the situation in the press.
As Otterson's statement reminds us, the Mormons haven't changed, and don't intend to.
Click "Subscribe" above to have articles emailed to you. Your email address will never be shared with a third party.
For all things LGBT-related, please visit my Home Page.
Comments
The Gay community includes many, many men and women who are people of faith, not solely defined by their sexual orientation. Crafting a community climate that leaves everybody standing is no simple task. The trick is to find a way to accomodate differences with grace and dignity. Advocates, like the author of this article, are generally poor sources of grace and dignity. Too bad.
Grace and dignity? Are you kidding me? How much grace and dignity has the LDS church shown LGBT people? Think about how the LDS church has treated us before you go calling me a poor source. Every word of this article is the truth. If you think the truth is disgraceful or undignified, so be it.
I am pleased with the statement it has issued, after all the church did not have to say anything....I think the LGBT community should be pleased. The church is not going to lift it's policy on accepting LGBT people into full acceptance, so it is useless to keep trying to get them to change that policy. I think that the LGBT people are going to have to be willing to make concessions as well and not just demand that the church do all the changing. The church has with this statement shown it's willingness to protect and preserve the rights of others,but, where is the thanks from the LGBT community to the LDS church? I am sorry to say that this willingness to step out and up to the plate and defend the rights of the LGBT community has brought only critisism and rude comments. I am dissapointed in the statements so far issued by the leadership in the gay community, it has been cold and filled with undeserved bitterness against the LDS Church.
The church needs to stop patting themselves on the back so hard for something that is discrimination anyways. As they said themselves its COMMON SESNE LEGISLATION. We are all Americans regardless of our sexual orientation. Or are we Americans ONLY if the Church tells us we are allowed to be. Bigots.
The church needs to stop patting themselves on the back so hard for something that is discrimination anyways. As they said themselves its COMMON SESNE LEGISLATION. We are all Americans regardless of our sexual orientation. Or are we Americans ONLY if the Church tells us we are allowed to be. Bigots.
The church needs to stop patting themselves on the back so hard for something that is discrimination anyways. As they said themselves its COMMON SESNE LEGISLATION. We are all Americans regardless of our sexual orientation. Or are we Americans ONLY if the Church tells us we are allowed to be. Bigots.
Kelvin, Although I agree with the "shoulds" in your article, I know the workings of the Mormon church intimately, I was born and raised Mormon, raised my children Mormon and then had my "aha" moment and left the church. But this is a HUGE step in the right direction for them, regardless of their motive. It's important that the GLBT community and their Allies (of which I am one) don't push back against this move, otherwise more progress toward the light on the part of the LDS church may be even slower coming.
Religon is just tradition. But as a christan i strive to be christ like. Free of sin. It is known that no one is perfect but people use that statement as a "ok" sign to except sin. I am against fornication on all levels. And most christans and mormons are too. Most gay and lesbians do condone that sin. So at the end of the day why pressure a "church" to except what its members dont agree with. After all the church is in our hearts. The building is just where we fellowship.
Dont blame the church, its the people that are not perfect!! I just want hear what the prophet has to say because if the lord said it is time then its time. Who are we to judge, but what irritates me is when Romney thinks he has the authority to tell the church leaders what to do especially when he knows how the church is ran. This is just my opion and not the church but I think the gays was not allowed because when u are sealed as a family words can not express the true happiness of having your own childrens instead of adoptions, but thats just me. If the lord said its time then its cool me!!! GOD BLESS U ALL...
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!