Mormon Church Comes Out in Favor of Marriage Equality Law
The Mormon Church announced Tuesday that it will support legislation to federally protect marriage equality.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it would still view same-sex relationships as against church doctrine, according to a news release on its website.
However, it explained that it would support marriage equality and the rights of same-sex couples if the Respect for Marriage Act didn’t interfere with what the church called its “religious freedom protections.”“We are grateful for the continuing efforts of those who work to ensure the Respect for Marriage Act includes appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters,” the announcement stated.“We believe this approach is the way forward.
As we work together to preserve the principles and practices of religious freedom together with the rights of LGBTQ individuals, much can be accomplished to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.”The Utah-based church has some 17 million members across the world.The group is also just one of several high-profile conservative groups that have voiced certain for the legislation.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said that he will bring the law for a test vote on Wednesday after out senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin announced there was enough Republican support for the bill to pass.Lawmakers have pushed for the Respect for Marriage Act to be made into law following the concurring opinion of U.S.
