subject: Supporting Equality For All Individuals [print this page] Discrimination is not something that is taught in church. Being biased or prejudiced or looking down on another person because they do not hold to the same beliefs as another person is not a teaching among the Judeo-Christian religions of the world. Yet many religious groups do not accept all people equally, nor do they treat the diverse people living among them in an equal manner. Homosexuality goes against the beliefs of many religious people and as a result, gay and lesbian couples have been shunned by the majority of society. Although there are some places where alternative lifestyle couples receive fair and equal treatment, in many businesses and medical facilities in Salt Lake City they do not.
The headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City is also home to a growing number of gay and lesbian individuals that, up until now, have been discriminated against based on their sexual preference. The LDS Church teaches that a marriage should exist only between a man and a woman and there has been a moral stand that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle. Because of this theology, many people outside of the LDS faith, especially those within the gay and lesbian community, have accepted that the "Mormons" aren't on their side on issues regarding equal rights.
However, in a statement that surprised some, the LDS Church officials-at a meeting of the Salt Lake City council on November 10-the church is supporting legislation that will grant the equal rights and fair treatment of the gay and lesbian community in Salt Lake City. While the LDS Church leaders are not changing their position on the institution of marriage, they are accepting and supporting the equal medical care, hospitalization, employment, fair housing, and probate rights of people that are in same-sex relationships. No one should be punished or discriminated against because of their religious beliefs, political views, or sexual orientation-and under the U.S. constitution, all men and women are created equal.
Similarly, the LDS Church has not changed its position or view on homosexuality; however, it is accepting and understanding of the civil and legal human rights of the individual. As many as five bills have been proposed to the city council for the legislation of rights for gay and lesbian couples and will be voted on by the mayor and council members in 2009. With the support of the LDS Church, those bills may become laws that will guarantee the fair treatment and equal opportunity for many people living and working in Salt Lake City.
