Mormon Church Steps Out to Support Bill That Would Protect LGBT from Discrimination

For decades, the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has been known for its extra-conservative stance on fidelity within marriage and sexual relations outside of marriage. Also, the church has exhibited a strong passion to discourage same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, it still welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members just as long as they do not engage into homosexual relations and obey the law of chastity.    

As it is, some things are meant to change. Recent reports claimed that the Mormon Church’s leadership has started to make a sudden evolution regarding homosexuality.

According to reports, the church’s attorneys are currently in discreet discussion with the leaders of Utah’s LGBT community. The effort is said to come up with a language for a statewide ban on housing and employment discrimination that the church could likely support.

A bill, entitled Housing and Employment Amendments, was opened last Thursday by Sen. Curt Bramble. Also, the lawmaker will allegedly sponsor the bill once an agreement has been reached.

Fortunately, around 90 percent of Utah’s legislature belongs to the Mormon Church. In fact, it is the state’s largest religion. Therefore, if the church were really to endorse the anti-discrimination bill, it is expected to create a gigantic boost to pass the legislation, which has failed in the previous years.

It could be remembered that way back in 2009, a similar ordinance in Salt Lake City had been likewise supported by the church claiming that the same is fair and reasonable and does not violate the institution of marriage.

Following the said ordinance, 16 Utah cities and countries have likewise passed similar ordinances or policies.
   
Moving forward, the current discussion is said to be at its early stage and so far, there is no bill yet for everyone to respond to, according to the church’s spokesperson, Scott Trotter.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles discrimination lawyer here, although a little surprised with the church’s recent move, likewise expresses his appreciation following the support that it exhibits to prevent discrimination based on gender and gender orientation in the workforce.