Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW MORMONS AND GAY RIGHTS: SHARED VALUES
Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW INTRODUCTION
∗
Typing the words “mormon and gay rights” into one popular Internet search
engine brings up around 1,670, 000 results in less than a minute, actually in about 0.16
seconds to be exact. Yet like most Internet searches, some of the information called up is
credible, some information lacks credibility, and some information really is incredible in
the most skeptical, hard-to-believe definition of that word. Clearly with all of the data
available for those with Internet capabilities, greater discernment is required in its
consumption. Perhaps T.S. Eliot said it best when he wrote,
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?1
Yet those who critically digest instead of naively imbibing from the Internet’s fountain of
information will be able to form cogent, fact-based opinions from legitimate sources.
Thus while a number of sources deride The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints as a secretive, homophobic institution, this article is an attempt to publish the
reality that the Church of Jesus Christ2 in certain instances can in fact be counted among
the Gay Community’s3 greatest allies. The goal of this essay is to shed greater light on
the common ground and shared goals of the Church of Jesus Christ and the collective
Gay Rights Movement.4 In so doing, it is hoped that individuals on both sides of political
debates will be more apt to view each other first and foremost as individual members of
This views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its members, or members of the Gay Community.
1
T.S. ELIOT, The Eagle Soars in the Summit of Heaven, COLLECTED POEMS 1909-1962, 147 (1963).
2
An officially preferred shortened reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://betanewsroom.lds.org/style-guide. 3
The term “Gay Community” is used generically in this article to refer collectively to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender people and interests.
4
The term “Gay Rights Movement” is used generically in this article to refer collectively to social interests
advocated for by members of the Gay Community.
∗
1 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW the great human race, each fully deserving of the others love, respect, and understanding.
As the Chinese proverb explains, there can be “Harmony in spite of differences.”
A SPECIFIC CONFLICT
Yet working towards harmony in spite of differences does not mean that opposing
viewpoints on fundamental issues will be erased. It is wholly unrealistic to think that
agreements on every matter can be reached. On some subjects the doctrines of the Church
of Jesus Christ are diametrically opposed to the political interests of the Gay Rights
Movement. But perhaps the most well-known example of disagreement is the legalization
of same-sex marriage.
An Irreconcilable Difference
The much-highlighted conflict between the Church of Jesus Christ and proponents
of same-sex marriage seems almost to have arisen with the passage of the California
Marriage Protection Act, known widely as Proposition 8, in November 2008. But it may
be fair to say that this fundamental disagreement on same-sex marriage actually became
more publicly pronounced beginning in the early to mid nineties.
On May 5, 1993 the Supreme Court of Hawaii vacated and remanded the
judgment of a lower court denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples.5 On remand,
the Church of Jesus Christ petitioned for admission as a friend of the court for the
defendant; this petition was denied by the circuit court and the denial subsequently
upheld by the Supreme Court of Hawaii.6 The circuit court eventually held that denial of
5
6
Baehr v. Lewin, 74 Haw. 530 (1993).
Baehr v. Miike, 80 Haw. 341, 343 (1996). 2 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW a marriage license to same sex couples violated the Hawaii Constitution;7 the Supreme
Court of Hawaii upheld this judgment.8
In the midst of this litigation, on September 23, 1995, then President of the
worldwide Church of Jesus Christ Gordon B. Hinckley announced an official Church
proclamation entitled “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”. This proclamation
declared, among other things, that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of
God . . .”9 and that “the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between
man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.”10 The proclamation concluded
with an exhortation for government leaders and citizens to support measures that
supported traditional marriage.11
Around the same time Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles publicly emphasized that Church doctrines were clear in, “condemning those
∗
who engage in so-called “gay bashing”—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to
be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior.”12 Furthermore, the Church of Jesus
Christ consistently differentiated between opposing same-sex marriage and reaching out
with compassion to members of the Gay Community themselves. In the words of
President Hinckley,
We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their
problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they
indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so 7
Baehr v. Miike, Not Reported in P.2d, 1996 WL 694235 (Hawai'i Cir.Ct.).
Baehr v. Miike, 87 Hawai'i 34, (1997).
9
THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD para. 1, available at https://lds.org/study/familyproclamation?lang=eng.
10
Id. para. 4.
11
See, Id. para. 9.
a leading body in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
12
Dallin H. Oaks, "Same-Gender Attraction", Ensign, 7, (Oct. 1995), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/1995/10/same-gender-attraction?lang=eng#footnote20.
8
∗
3 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the
very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very
purpose, the rearing of families.13
For the Church of Jesus Christ, then, marriage is a directive from God, and only God has
the authority, through revelation to his anointed prophet,14 to make changes to this
commandment.15 And while critics point to the Church of Jesus Christ’s practice of
polygamy during the 1800’s and early 1900’s, they often fail to account for the fact that
in the Church of Jesus Christ the practice of polygamy both began and ended through
revelation from God to his anointed prophet.16 Therefore because the Church of Jesus
Christ believes God defines marriage as between man and woman, and because the
Church of Jesus Christ believes only God can alter the institution of marriage, and
because the Church of Jesus Christ believes that God has not altered nor redefined the
institution of marriage at the present time, the matter of same-sex marriage is at a
perpetual impasse. But an impasse on certain issues does not preclude parties from
reaching a full-fledged agreement and experiencing wholehearted support on other
matters.
13
Gordon B. Hinckley, What Are People Asking about Us?, ENSIGN, 70 (Nov. 1998) available at
http://lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/what-are-people-asking-about-us-?lang=eng.
14
Amos 3:7 (King James).
15
See, Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9 (King James); Judges 8:30 (King James); e.g.,1 Samuel 1:1–2
(King James); Jacob 2:27-30 (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ); Doctrine &
Covenants 132; Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 1; Gordon B. Hinckley, What Are People
Asking about Us?, ENSIGN, 70 (Nov. 1998). 16
Doctrine & Covenants 132 (revelation to Joseph Smith on practice of plural marriage); Doctrine and
Covenants Official Declaration 1 (revelation to Wilford Woodruff on the cessation of plural marriage).
4 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW The Issue of Same-sex Marriage within the Gay Community
Just as some members of the Church of Jesus Christ did not vote in favor of
Proposition 8,17 there are some members within the Gay Community itself who clearly
oppose same-sex marriage.18 One such opponent writes,
The fact is most of us won't marry even if we have the right to. We are putting all
our resources into winning a right that only the few of us in long-term
conventional couple relationships will enjoy. What's more, we are creating a
social climate in which young queers are encouraged to recast their vision of the
relationships they seek to favor the married couple. This is not only a loss for the
vibrancy of queer culture, it is a disservice to young people who will not be well
served by their nuclear family ambitions. Just consider the high number of gay
and lesbian divorces (yes, the rate is already high despite the fact that we have not
even fully won the right to marry yet).19
He argues that by focusing so much on the one social issue of same-sex marriage, the
Gay Community has “come to the point [where] many unthinkingly equate opposition to
gay marriage with homophobia.”20 For this author, the key issues the Gay Community
ought to focus on include “ . . . job discrimination, housing discrimination . . .family
ostracism, [and] teen suicide . . . .” among other concerns.21
A SOLID ALLIANCE
It is in these specific concerns of human rights that the Church of Jesus Christ is
on common ground with the Gay Community. It is important to recognize these shared
values in order for coalitions to be formed where appropriate. While the Church of Jesus
17
Carole Mikita, Steve Young Corrects Involvement in Prop. 8, K.S.L (Nov. 2, 2008),
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4686916.
18
Bob Ostertag, Why Gay Marriage is the Wrong Issue, HUFFINGTON POST (Dec. 21, 2008 6:04 PM),
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ostertag/why-gay-marriage-is-the-w_b_152717.html; Why I Oppose
Gay Marriage, GAYS AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE (Nov. 11, 2008),
http://nogaymarriage.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/why-i-oppose-gay-marriage/#comments.
19 Bob Ostertag, Why Gay Marriage is the Wrong Issue, HUFFINGTON POST (Dec. 21, 2008 6:04 PM),
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ostertag/why-gay-marriage-is-the-w_b_152717.html. 20
Id.
21
Id. 5 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW Christ and the overall Gay Community in many ways are on opposite sides of the
conviction spectrum, they can build on common beliefs and at times work together
effectively to achieve jointly held goals.
Job and Housing Discrimination
In Salt Lake City, Utah where the Church of Jesus Christ has its headquarters, the
Church officially endorsed a “local ordinance banning discrimination against gay men
and lesbians in housing and employment.”22 While reaffirming unequivocally its
commitment “ ‘to defending the bedrock foundation of marriage between a man and a
woman,’ ”23 the Church of Jesus Christ emphasized that the “The Church supports these
ordinances because they are fair and reasonable and do not do violence to the institution
of marriage. They are also entirely consistent with the Church’s prior position on these
matters.”24
In this fashion the Church of Jesus Christ was able to effectively engage in and
support this desire of the Gay Community because there was enough common ground
between the interests of both parties to allow for a shared goal. Specifically, the issues
presented were “the right of people to have a roof over their heads and the right to work
without being discriminated against. . . .[but] the ordinances also attempt[ed] to balance
vital issues of religious freedom”25 Notably, the Church commended the city for granting
common-sense rights that should be available to everyone, while safeguarding the
22
Kirk Johnson, Mormon Support of Gay Right Statute Draws Praise, N.Y. TIMES (Nov. 11, 2009),
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/us/12utah.html.
23
Id.
24
Michael Otterson, Managing Director of Church Public Affairs Statement Given to Salt Lake City
Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances, (10 Nov. 2009), availabled at http://betanewsroom.lds.org/article/statement-given-to-salt-lake-city-council-on-nondiscrimination-ordinances.
25
Id.
6 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW crucial rights of religious organizations, for example, in their hiring of people
whose lives are in harmony with their tenets, or when providing housing for their
university students and others that preserve religious requirements.26
These actions demonstrated the Church’s readiness to actively engage in issues important
to the Gay Community that did not threaten the Church’s interest in preserving traditional
marriage or maintaining its religious freedom.
These efforts were not lost on the largest gay rights group in Utah which noted,
“What [the Church] said here is huge in protecting residents in other municipalities, and
statewide. . . .” and pointed out that “the wording of the church’s statement was crucial”
because the Church was clearly and unequivocally taking a position on the matter instead
of being simply “ ‘not opposed’ to such measures.”27
Family Ostracism
Another value shared by the Church of Jesus Christ with the Gay Community is
the desire to prevent and address family ostracism. In the words of current President of
the Church of Jesus Christ Thomas S. Monson, “May we also demonstrate kindness and
love within our own families. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should
also be places where . . . the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace
dwells.”28 For the Church, it is imperative that individuals tell “the people we love that
we love them. Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should
sincerely and frequently express love.”29 Moreover, family members are encouraged to
“talk with, rather than about, each other. [To] learn from each other, and [to] appreciate . .
26
Id.
Kirk Johnson, Mormon Support of Gay Right Statute Draws Praise, N.Y. TIMES (Nov. 11, 2009),
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/us/12utah.html. 28
Thomas S. Monson, Looking Back and Moving Forward, LIAHONA, 87-90, (May 2008), available at
http://lds.org/liahona/2008/05/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng.
29
David A. Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned at Home, ENSIGN, 17-20 (Nov. 2009), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/2009/11/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng.
27
7 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW . differences as well as our commonalities.”30 The strengthening of family relationships is
a constant theme in the Church. This theme includes those with family members in the
Gay Community:
All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the
burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement
that is a clear responsibility of Church members, who have signified by covenant
their willingness “to bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8) “and so fulfil the
law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).31
The Church of Jesus Christ is continually working to improve in addressing the needs of
its people.
Teen Suicide
The Church’s leadership seeks constantly to understand the needs and effectively
address the respective problems of its people. Yet in 1995 Elder Dallin H. Oaks
recounted how, in spite of repeated assurances that the Church condemned the sin but
loved the sinner,
the Church. . . continue[s] to experience misunderstandings about our positions on
these matters. Last fall [1994] in an interview with a television reporter, one of
our Church officials was asked, “What is being done in the Church to try to stop
the atmosphere of hate towards homosexuals?” Nine years ago [1987], during a
television interview on this subject, I was questioned about reports that the
Church taught or implied “that these people are somehow pariahs … and these
people hate themselves and that this is an attitude brought forth by the Church.”32
Elder Oaks acknowledged that these communications combined with questions from the
Church’s own members “surely show the need for improvement in our communications
with . . . [all] who are struggling with problems—all types of problems.”33 He then reemphasized that the Church “has a clear-cut doctrinal responsibility to show forth love
30
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", Ensign, 19-22 (Nov. 2010), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/2010/11/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng.
31
Oaks, supra (emphasis mine)
32
Id. 33
Id.
8 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW and to extend help and understanding. Sinners, as well as those who are struggling to
resist inappropriate feelings, are not people to be cast out but people to be loved and
helped (see 3 Ne. 18:22–23, 30, 32).”34
Unfortunately, in 2010 the Church of Jesus Christ continued to be misunderstood
and have its position on the issues regarding the Gay Community misrepresented.
Recently the Human Rights Campaign criticized a public address in October 2010 given
by Elder Boyd K. Packer35 “for characterizing same-sex marriage as immoral” and
allegedly making “inaccurate statements regarding same-sex attraction.”36 The
organization’s president stated “We’re here today to tell Elder Packer. . . that his
statements. . . are dangerous and are putting millions of lives in great danger.”37 A
blogger referred to Elder Packer’s speech as “Anti-gay extremism.”38 Another Gay
Rights Activist referred to Elder Packer as a “hard liner” and a “hate monger”,39 and
organized a protest near Temple Square and Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City,
Utah, in which thousands participated.40 The reason for the protest, he said, was that
34
Id.
Presiding member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. His clarified address, entitled Cleansing the Inner Vessel is available at http://lds.org/generalconference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng.
36
Scott Taylor, Mormon Church Clarifies intent of President Boyd K. Packer’s talk, DESERET NEWS, (Oct.
8, 2010 11:43 PM MDT) available at http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700072230/Mormon-churchclarifies-intent-of-President-Boyd-K-Packers-talk.html.
37
http://www.hrc.org/issues/religion/14971.htm.
38
http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/after-a-dissent-mormon-leaders-reaffirm-stance-against-gaymarr/19659421 39
Eric Ethington, Mormon Church Responds to HRC, PRIDE IN UTAH, (Oct. 12, 2010 2:11 PM),
http://prideinutah.com/?tag=michael-otterson. 40 Thousands of gay activists protest at Mormon Church headquarters,
http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-ut-gay-protest-set-on-mormon-leadersremarks,0,2412632.story; 2,000-3,000 protest for gay rights outside Mormon church offices in Salt Lake
City, http://www.mormontimes.com/article/17723/2000-3000-protest-for-gay-rights-outside-Mormonchurch-offices-in-Salt-Lake-City 35
9 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW “hate speech equal (sic.) LGBT suicides.”41 In addition, other reporters emphasized that
Elder Packer’s address could “lead to more suicides among gay Mormons”42 and pointed
out that some Americans “believe that messages from U.S. religious pulpits are
connected to the rising rates of suicide among gay youths . . . .”43
Yet it is far fetched to consider Elder Packer’s words as “hate speech.” In the
words of one editorial, “This focused attention on the LDS Church is deeply ironic given
the church's shared condemnation of hate and violence toward gays and lesbians, its
mutual support of anti-discrimination laws for gays and lesbians and its compassionate
ministry to LDS Church members who have same-gender attraction.”44 The editorial then
quoted a comment made previously by Elder Packer in which he said, to those struggling
with same gender attraction, “We do not reject you…We cannot reject you, for you are
the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you.”45
The Church of Jesus Christ itself issued a statement in response to the Human
Rights Campaign’s petition. While the Church acknowledged its disagreement with the
Human Rights Campaign “on many fundamentals” it also emphasized that the two groups
“share some common ground.”46 The statement recognized the “tragic deaths across the
41
Jared Preusz, Thousands of Gay Activists Protest at Mormon Church Headquarters, FOX13 (Oct. 8,
2010), http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-ut-gay-protest-set-on-mormon-leadersremarks,0,2412632.story.
42
Peggy Fletcher Stack, Apostle: Same-sex attraction can change, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, (Oct. 7, 2010),
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/50404210-78/church-sex-lds-packer.html.csp.
43
Kristen Moulton, Survey Links Gay Suicides to Religious Messages, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, (Oct. 22,
2010), http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50518515-76/americans-church-faith-gave.html.csp?page=1.
44
A Call for Civility following Mormon Apostle Boyd K. Packer’s Address, editorial in DESERET NEWS, 1
(Oct. 10, 2010), http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700072199/A-call-for-civility-following-MormonApostle-Boyd-K-Packers-address.html?pg=1.
45
Id. at 2, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700072199/A-call-for-civility-following-Mormon-ApostleBoyd-K-Packers-address.html?pg=2. 46
Official Statement from Mormon Church in response to petition from gay rights group, DESERET NEWS,
(Oct. 12, 2010 1:55 PM MDT), http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700073073/Official-statement-fromMormon-church-in-response-to-petition-from-gay-rights-group.html. 10 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW country as a result of bullying or intimidation of gay young men.”47 And added, “We join
our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty, or attempts to
belittle or mock any group or individual that is different—whether those differences arise
from . . .sexual orientation, or for any other reason.”48
THE STANDING OF MEMBERS OF THE GAY COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CHURCH
The statement continued by emphasizing that, within the Church of Jesus Christ,
“parents. . .young adults, teens and children should. . . of all people be especially
sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or
intimidation. . .towards those who are attracted to others of the same sex.”49 This is
especially so “in our own Latter-day Saint congregations.”50
The Church “teaches a standard of moral conduct that will protect us from [the
devil’s] many substitutes or counterfeits for marriage. We must understand that any
persuasion to enter into any relationship that is not in harmony with the principles of the
gospel must be wrong.”51 Thus, while “Some suppose that they were preset and cannot
overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. [The
Church declares] Not so! Remember, God is our Heavenly Father.” Therefore, “For those
who truly desire it, there is a way back. Repentance is like unto a detergent. Even groundin stains of sin will come out.”52 Indeed, there may be “no more beautiful and consoling
47
Id.
Id.
49
Id.
50
Id.
51
Boyd K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Temple, ENSIGN, 74-77, (Nov. 2010), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/2010/11/cleansing-the-inner-temple?lang=eng.
52
Id. 48
11 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW words in all of revelation than these: ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same
is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.’ ”53
Yet while preaching the necessity of sexual purity as defined by God, the Church
of Jesus Christ appreciates the fact that “those of its members who are attracted to others
of the same sex experience deep emotional, social, and physical feelings.” 54 At the same
time, the Church “distinguishes between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and
behavior on the other. It's not a sin to have feelings, only in yielding to temptation.”55
Therefore, members of the Church of Jesus Christ who experience same sex
attraction but continue to live in accordance with Church doctrine “can enjoy full
fellowship with other church members including attending and serving in temples, and
ultimately receive all the blessings afforded to those who live the commandments of
God.”56 Although there “is no question that” dealing with same-sex attraction “is
difficult. . . church leaders and members are available to help lift, support and encourage
fellow members who wish to follow church doctrine. Their struggle is [the Church’s]
struggle.”57
CONCLUSION
The Church of Jesus Christ, while claiming exclusive authority to administer
God’s kingdom on the earth,58 has never claimed that its members are perfect or its
53
Id.
Official Statement from Mormon Church in response to petition from gay rights group, Deseret News,
(Oct. 12, 2010 1:55 PM MDT), http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700073073/Official-statement-fromMormon-church-in-response-to-petition-from-gay-rights-group.html.
55
Id.
56
Id.
57
Id.
58
Henry B. Eyring, "The True and Living Church", Ensign, 20-24, (May 2008), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/2008/05/the-true-and-living-church?lang=eng. 54
12 Elijah K. Nielson, JD, LLM, MSW leaders omniscient or infallible.59 A major purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ is “to
see the world made a better place in which to live, to see more care and concern for one
another, and to see the cause of peace and reassurance increased in every direction and
extended to all people.”60 .
To the woman taken in adultery (which is a pretty good precedent for us), … [the
Savior] was merciful and loving … , but he said, ‘Go thy way and sin no more.’
He loved the sinner; he condemned the sin. I think the Church does the same
thing, imperfectly perhaps, but that’s what we teach our members: love the sinner,
condemn the sin.61
In proclaiming its doctrine, the Church will likely continue to experience disagreements
with members of the Gay Community. At the same time, harmony can exist in spite of
differences. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does have some common
ground and shared values with the Gay Community. And on that common ground, the
Church of Jesus Christ can be one of the Gay Community’s greatest allies.
59
e.g., Neal A. Maxwell, A Choice Seer, ENSIGN, 6 (Aug. 1986), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/1986/08/a-choice-seer?lang=eng; Robert D. Hales, Agency: Essential to the Plan of
Life, ENSIGN, 24-27 (Nov. 2010), available at http://lds.org/ensign/2010/11/agency-essential-to-the-plan-oflife?lang=eng; Thomas S. Monson, Charity Never Faileth, ENSIGN, 122-25 (Nov. 2010), available at
http://lds.org/ensign/2010/11/charity-never-faileth?lang=eng.
60 Howard W. Hunter, "The Beacon in the Harbor of Peace", Liahona, 23 (Apr. 2002), at
http://lds.org/liahona/2002/04/the-beacon-in-the-harbor-of-peace?lang=eng. 61
Oaks, supra, available at http://lds.org/ensign/1995/10/same-gender-attraction?lang=eng#footnote20.
13