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Same-Sex Marriage

Overview
Legal proceedings and legislative action in a number of countries have given civil
recognition to same-sex marriage relationships, and the question of same-sex
marriage continues to be widely debated. As we confront this and other issues, we
encourage all to bear in mind our Heavenly Father’s purposes in creating the earth
and providing for our mortal birth and experience here as His children. “God
created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and
female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be
fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:27–28). “ erefore shall
a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall
be one esh” (Genesis 2:24). Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted
by God and is central to His plan for His children and for the well-being of society.
Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the fundamental
institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and transmitting to future
generations the moral strengths and values that are important to civilization and
crucial to eternal salvation.

Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has
established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of
divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations
are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded
as husband and wife. We urge you to review and teach Church members the
doctrine contained in “ e Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

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Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is
true for those who oppose it. e Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ right
to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality
free from retaliation or retribution. e Church is also entitled to maintain its
standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.

Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, Church o cers will not employ their
ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex,
and the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used
for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages.
Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they
respect our standards of conduct while there.

We a rm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing

same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. e gospel of Jesus Christ
teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we
disagree.

As members of the Church, we are responsible to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ
and to illuminate the great blessings that ow from heeding God’s commandments
as well as the inevitable consequences of ignoring them. We invite you to pray that
people everywhere will have their hearts softened to the truths of the gospel, and
that wisdom will be granted to those who are called upon to decide issues critical
to society’s future.

e above text is drawn from a letter prepared by the Council of the First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to Church leaders in March 2014.

Related Topics
Chastity

Marriage

Same-Sex Attraction

e Family: A Proclamation to the World

Scriptures
Scripture References
Leviticus 18:22

Leviticus 20:13

Romans 1:27

Scripture Study Resources

Topical Guide, “Chastity, Chaste”

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Topical Guide, “Homosexual Behavior”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Homosexual Behavior”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Chastity”

Prophets and Church Leaders

Leader Messages
Decisions for Eternity
President Russell M. Nelson

e Lord’s Standard of Morality

Tad R. Callister

e Family Is of God
Carole M. Stephens

Additional Talks

Media
Videos
“ e Lord’s Law of Chastity Is Clear”

Learning Resources
General Resources
Mormon and Gay, mormonandgay.org

“Frequently Asked Questions,” mormonandgay.org

“Chastity and Fidelity,” Handbook 2, 21.4.5

“Homosexual Behavior and Same-Gender Attraction,” Handbook 2, 21.4.6

“Same-Gender Marriages,” Handbook 2, 21.4.10

“Truly Happy Now,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org

“A Mother’s Story,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org

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Church Magazines
“What is the Church’s position on homosexuality? Is it OK to be friends with
people who have homosexual feelings?” New Era, January 2012

“Learning through Life’s Trials,” Ensign, March 2010

“Strengthening the Family: Created in the Image of God, Male and Female,” Ensign
or Liahona, January 2005

“Compassion for ose Who Struggle,” Ensign, September 2004

“My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction,” Ensign, August 2002

“Becoming Whole Again,” Ensign, January 1997

Study Manuals
God Loveth His Children

In the News
“Church Updates Resources Addressing Same-Sex Attraction,” Church News

“Church Updates O cial ‘Mormon and Gay’ Website,” LDS Newsroom

“Interview With Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman: ‘Same-
Gender Attraction,’” LDS Newsroom

“Church Responds to HRC Petition: Statement on Same-Sex Attraction,” LDS

Newsroom

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