Mormon Stories #1092: The Mormon Church's Reversal of the November 2015 LGBTQ Policy Pt. 2

Mormon Church Reverses Controversial LGBTQ Policy: What This Means

On April 4, 2019, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a historic announcement that sent ripples through its global membership. The church officially reversed its November 2015 policy that defined same-sex marriage as an act of apostasy and prohibited the children of LGBTQ couples from participating in church-related sacraments. This policy reversal raises critical questions both about the church's stance on LGBTQ issues and the broader implications for its members, particularly those grappling with acceptance and identity.

The Backstory: From Policy to Reversal

To understand the significance of this reversal, it is essential to revisit the original 2015 policy. Announced nearly four years prior, this decision was seen as a hardline stance by the Mormon Church against the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage in broader society. By labeling same-sex marriage as apostasy, the church not only alienated LGBTQ members but also placed children in these families in a challenging position, effectively barring them from church rites and ordinances unless specific conditions were met. This decision led to widespread criticism, protests, and even a noticeable increase in resignations from the church as some members grappled with the moral and ethical implications of the policy.

The Core Concerns and Evidence

The decision to reverse the policy is rife with complexities. In acknowledging this shift, it is crucial to understand what led to the initial implementation and, subsequently, its reversal. Critics have argued that the original policy was a response born from the church's resistance to societal pressures instead of theological imperatives. Meanwhile, internal and external pressures surged, as the policy was linked to various mental health crises within the LGBTQ Mormon community, including heightened rates of depression and suicide.