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See Also: Sexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, '''homosexuality''' is officially seen as a set of "thoughts, feelings, and behaviors", and not an immutable "condition" or an indication of an innate "identity". The LDS Church recognizes and officially welcomes its Gay and Lesbian members, under certain conditions. It teaches that homosexual susceptibilities are possibly inborn , and that although these feelings are sometimes unwanted, they can and should be controlled. The church's Law Of Chastity forbids gay and lesbian sex, which like straight Pre-marital Sex can be grounds for Excommunication . Nevertheless, gay and lesbian Mormons may remain in good standing in the church, without ramification, if they abstain from homosexual relations (; ). The church's stand on homosexuality has changed over the years, and it was only in the 1990s that the church first began to acknowledge the existence of Sexual Orientation , apart from the act of " Sodomy ", which has always been viewed as sinful by the religion. In addition to opposing gay and lesbian sex, the church also opposes and campaigns against the extension of legal rights to gay and lesbian families that would, in its opinion, undermine the tradition of heterosexual monogamous marriage . The issue of Same-sex Marriage remains one of the church's foremost political concerns. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Since its beginnings, the church has always emphasized the importance of heterosexual relationships and marriage, although founding prophet Joseph Smith's own son, David Hyrum Smith (1844-1904) may have struggled with homosexual tendences.Valeen Tippetts Avery, ''From Mission to Madness: Last Son of the Mormon Prophet'', (Univ. of Illinois Press, 1998), Chap. 12 "David and Charley", pp. 232-243. The (later to be reversed), sexual relationships outside of marriage were forbidden. When gay or lesbian intercourse was discovered, the accused were sometimes disfellowshipped or excommunicated, beginning with the first known case in 1841 involving alleged bisexuality by John C. Bennett , although William accused his brother, Joseph Smith, Jr. , of having tolerated Bennett's behavior for a time. Sexual immorality was considered in the Book Of Mormon as the “most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost,” although the Book of Mormon never once refers directly to either sodomy or homosexuality in any passage. Alma 39:5 The has suggested that early church leaders had a more tolerant view of homosexuality, but Gordon B. Hinckley has stated that prophets have always considered homosexuality as a "grievous sin." Homosexuality as an illness In 1959, in response to a rash of arrests of gay men in Utah and Idaho, president David O. McKay assigned apostles Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Peterson to work on curing gays within the church . At the time, medical experts classified homosexuality as a mental illness, and Kimball was adamant that it could be cured. Speaking to church educators and LDS psychiatrists in 1964, Kimball said, citing a '' Medical World News '' article, that "We know such a disease is curable," and that Ex-gay Mormons had emerged from the church's counseling programs cured, although the cure was "like the cure for alcoholism subject to continued vigilance" . In 1970, Kimball was involved in creating an LDS publication for church leaders to "assist them to effect a cure and...become normal again" . The pamphlet teaches that church leaders may assist in this regard by reciting scripture, appealing to their reason, encouraging them to abandon gay lovers and associates, pray, and replace their life with positive action and straight dating (id., 2–6). The pamphlet made it clear that "Homosexuality CAN be cured" (id., 7; ). In 1992, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification Of Diseases as a mental illness, Homosexuality not a disease to be cured. Reproductive Health Matters, November 2004 the church produced ''Understanding and Helping Those With Homosexual Problems'', which removed all reference to homosexuality as a disease. The church frequently references contemporary scientific research, but explains that should not be taken as a position on "scientific questions", such as the cause of homosexuality. Publications In 1965, Spencer W. Kimball addressed homosexuality in his talk "Love vs Lust." He called it a "heinous" sin, but taught those with homosexual "desires and tendencies" could overcome it "the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery." He taught that although everyone is subject to temptations, "the difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted."Kimball, Spencer W. Love vs. Lust January 5, 1965 BYU Speeches of the Year In 1969, he expanded this talk in the ''Miracle of Forgiveness'', in which he teaches that masturbation can lead to homosexuality. However, he views many homosexuals as "basically good people who have become trapped in sin" and that "some totally conquer homosexuality in a few months". Kimball makes clear the book is only his personal opinion and "absolves" the church from any errors in the book. In 1970, the church produced ''Hope for Transgressors''Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen Hope for Transgressors 1970 and in 1971 ''New Horizons for Homosexuals'',Spencer W. Kimball New Horizons for Homosexuals 1971 both of which advocated a cure for those with homosexual tendencies. In 1976, the church officially opposed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). According to Church President Spencer W. Kimball , part of the reason for this opposition was to prevent any constitutional recognition for Gay Rights . Finally that year, the church issued a widely-circulated pamphlet for young men based on a speech by Boyd K. Packer which strongly condemned gay sex. He praised a missionary who was concerned when he had to flatten his companion in order to protect himself from the companion's sexual advances. In 1978, Packer followed this up with another sermon, published as a pamphlet, characterizing homosexual interaction as a perversion and presented the possibility that it had its roots in selfishness and could be cured with "unselfish thoughts, with unselfish acts" (p. 16). He states that the church had not previously talked more about homosexuality because "some matters are best handled very privately" (p. 3) and "we can very foolishly cause things we are trying to prevent by talking too much about them." (p.19) In 2007, the church published a booklet entitled ''God Loveth His Children'' , which is addressed to Latter-day Saints with "same-gender attraction". THE MODERN CHURCH'S THEOLOGY AND POLICY ON HOMOSEXUALITY The modern church's current views on homosexuality was developed beginning in the 1960s, and is largely the result of sermons, discussions, and pamphlets by Spencer W. Kimball , Boyd K. Packer , Gordon B. Hinckley , and Dallin H. Oaks . Some of the church's conclusions are discussed below: To many members of the church, statements by . If they do, we do with them exactly what we’d do with heterosexuals who transgress.” . The church teaches that homosexual problems can be overcome “through faith in God, sincere repentance, and persistent effort” . "Homosexual relations" is included on the church's list of "serious transgressions" that may result in a Disciplinary Council and, if the person does not desist, Excommunication . The church defines "serious transgressions" to include "murder, rape, forcible sexual abuse, spouse abuse, intentional serious physical injury of others, adultery, fornication, homosexual relations, deliberate abandonment of family responsibilities, robbery, burglary, theft, embezzlement, sale of illegal drugs, fraud, perjury, and false swearing." . The existence of LGBT identity Although there is no official policy to this effect, some church leaders have stated that ''homosexual'', ''lesbian'' and ''gay'' should be used as adjectives to describe thoughts, feelings or behaviors, and never as nouns to describe conditions or people (; ),Packer, Boyd K. (1978) To the One although President Gordon Hinckley himself has stated that "we have gays in the church" . Those leaders adopting this position state that using these words to denote a condition would imply a person has no choice in regards to sexual behavior . Church leaders and organizations have made reference to homosexuality as a sexual orientation but have not talked about Bisexuality . ''Homosexual problems'' are defined as homoerotic thoughts, feelings or behaviors . In describing people with homosexual feelings, the church will often say they have Same-gender Attractions . ''Marriage'' is defined as being between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages are not considered a legitimate form of marriage and the church supports the notion of a constitutional amendment in the USA to legally define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Homosexual "inclinations" being tempted as an example of how homosexuals can avoid sin.]] The church does not condemn what it calls "susceptibilities", "inclinations" or "temptations" of any type that are not acted upon, pointing to the example of Christ’s temptations. Members with homosexual "inclinations" can participate as all other members of the church and if they remain celibate or heterosexually married, they can participate in the religion to the same extent as straight members. Those with same-gender attractions are encouraged to talk to their ecclesiastical leader. Gospel topics, Chasity Sexual Purity , For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 26 They are encouraged not to let their orientation be the sole defining factor in their lives, but to see the whole person, extending their horizons beyond their orientation. They should be careful not to blame their parents . However, church leaders recognize the possible loneliness and difficulty that those with homosexual inclinations may have and encourage members to reach out to them. They have said “All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness to bear one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ . The church does not participate in debate on whether homosexual susceptibilities develop from nature or nurture, saying that such debate is better left to science. They have admitted that “perhaps such susceptibilities are inborn or acquired without personal choice” and “may have some relationship to inheritance,” citing some scientific research . However, they teach that these inclinations will not continue beyond death and that gender and gender roles are an eternal and essential characteristic of a soul. The Family: A Proclamation to the World The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Homosexual "feelings" The church teaches that all members should take responsibility in bridling their thoughts, attitudes, feelings, desires and passions. Members are taught to avoid any talk or activity that may arouse sexual feelings. They are taught to “let virtue garnish thoughts unceasingly.”[http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/121/45 Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all desire to sin can be changed and individuals can experience lasting peace.Scott, Richard G., (2006), The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness For those with same-gender attractions, they have counseled “the line of prudence is between the susceptibility and the feelings” . The church teaches that everyone has feelings they did not choose , and homosexual feelings can be powerful and difficult to control but “regardless of the causes, these problems can be controlled and eventually overcome” . Even though there is no church discipline for homosexual thoughts or feelings , the church teaches they should learn to accept responsibility for homosexual feelings and cite examples of how those born with inclinations to alcoholism, anger or other undesirable traits have been able to control their thoughts and actions. With better understanding of moral law, they teach these problems will be able to be fixed “routinely”. Members should not indulge in activities that will intensify homosexual feelings, such as viewing pornography, masturbation, and homosexual behavior.Packer, Boyd K. To Young Men Only General Conference Priesthood Session, October 2, 1976Kimball, Spencer W. (1969) Miracle of Forgiveness . Unhealthy relationships such as those with people that encourage it should be cut off, and the very appearance of evil should be avoided . The bishop should be careful not to create circumstances in which those with homosexual problems are exposed to temptations . Homosexual "behavior" In 1991, the church issued a statement that read "Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual contact, including fornication, adultery and homosexual and lesbian behavior is sinful...We plead with those involved in such behavior to forsake it" . They further say that it distorts loving relationships, undermines the divinely created institution of the family and can become an addiction. Church discipline for homosexual activity is slightly more onerous than for members involved in heterosexual activity. Gay or lesbian sex will result in an automatic special annotation to a person's permanent membership record.'' Church Handbook Of Instruction '' (1998), p. 129. and permanently bar a person from serving a mission.'' Church Handbook Of Instruction '' (1998), p. 81. All prophets, modern and ancient, have taught homosexual behavior is a grievous sin.Hinckley, Gordon B. Reverence and Morality Ensign, May 1987, 45 The theory that some are born to be homosexual “is a malicious and destructive lie. While it is a convincing idea to some, it is of the devil. No one is born into the kind of life... Boys are to become men – masculine, manly men – ultimately to become husbands and fathers.” Although church leaders condemn the sin of homosexual behavior, they teach love for the men and women who experience homosexual attraction, including those who pursue some form of homosexual lifestyle. “We should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and assisting them with their problems.” They have spoken out against “gay-bashing” or any other physical or verbal attack on those involved in homosexual behavior . They have stated that they find it hard to believe that one would choose such course of deviation by a clear conscious decision, one leader has suggested that it might be a spiritual disorder, with its roots in selfishness and which feelings must be overcome or suppressed. They teach that the behavior is changeable, and if not repented of, may result in church discipline including ex-communication under the inspired direction of the bishop . The cure comes through following the basic rules for moral and spiritual health for a long period time with undeviating determination. MARRIAGE FOR HOMOSEXUALS President Hinckley declared “Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices, which first should clearly be overcome with a firm and fixed determination never to slip to such practices again.” Unless this is done, they cannot enter marriage in good faith and doing so can damage the lives of others . Church leaders are warned that encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings generally leads to frustration and discouragement . They speak against those who enter into marriage under false pretense. Several marriages have ended because of a failure to end homosexual problems before marriage.For example, see Debi's Story The church maintains that it is possible to overcome these problems. They note that some have reported that heterosexual feelings can emerge once freed from homosexual problems . It would be appropriate for those with homosexual feelings to get married if they “have shown their ability to deal with these feelings or inclinations and put them in the background, and feel a great attraction for a daughter of God and therefore desire to enter marriage and have children and enjoy the blessings of eternity” . Several members of the church have dealt with their attractions sufficiently to get married.Moore, Carrie A. Gay LDS men detail challenges March 30, 2007. Deseret Morning News Many individuals with same-gender attractions have thought that they should get married because of the church's doctrine of marriage. LDS doctrine holds that Heterosexual Marriage is one of many requirements for entry into the "highest degree of glory" of the Celestial Kingdom , the highest of the three heavens mentioned by Paul in the New Testament . Marriage between a man and a woman is considered an essential part in the LDS belief of attaining that heaven. Therefore, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe a Family is the fundamental unit of society in this life and in heaven. However, this family must come about in the Lord's way, not through deceit or lies . Those who do not have an opportunity to get married in this life will get an opportunity to get married in the next,Lorenzo Snow, ''Millennial Star'', 31 August 1899, p. 547; discussed in Dallin H. Oaks ''Pure in Heart'' (Salt Lake City:Bookcraft, 1988), pp. 61-62 including those with same-gender attractions . The attractions will not continue past death, and if they were faithful in this life, they will receive every blessing in the eternities, including eternal marriage. Same-sex marriage The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not approve of or permit homosexual behavior within the membership of the church and has actively opposed efforts to Marriage is one of many requirements for entry into the "highest degree of glory" of the Celestial Kingdom , the highest of the three heavens mentioned by Paul in the New Testament . Marriage between a man and a woman is not only required but is considered an essential part in the LDS belief of attaining that heaven. Therefore, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe a Family is the fundamental unit of society in this life and in heaven. POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT Beginning in the mid-1990s, the church began to focus its attention on the issue of Same-sex Marriage s. In 1993, the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii held that discrimination against same-sex couples in the granting of marriage licences violated the Hawaiian constitution. In response, the church's First Presidency issued a statement on February 13 , 1994 declaring its opposition to same-sex marriage, and urging its members to support efforts to outlaw gay and lesbian marriages. With the assistance of the LDS Church and several other religious organizations, the Hawaiian legislature enacted a bill in 1994 outlawing same-sex marriages. Unofficially, the church continued to oppose efforts in Hawaii to grant gay and lesbian families the right to enter Civil Union s with most of the same legal rights as heterosexual families, including adoption, child custody, and joint property rights. As other states, including Vermont and Massachusetts , began extending legal protections to same-sex couples, the church continued to take an active role in preventing any legal recognition for families other than the heterosexual norm. In 2004, the church officially endorsed an amendment to the United States Constitution banning marriage except between a man and a woman. The church also officially announced its opposition to political measures that "confer legal status on any other sexual relationship" than a "man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife." ("First Presidency Statement on Same-Gender Marriage", 19 October 2004 ). Although the statement was directed specifically to gay marriage, the statement could also be read to encompass political opposition by the Church to recognizing Civil Union s, Common-law Marriage s, Plural Marriage s, or other family arrangements. BYU HONOR CODE Brigham Young University is the largest religious university in North America, and is the flagship educational institution of the LDS Church. Though its practices and policies are not specifically endorsed by the church, it is viewed by many to be reflective of the church's mindset. In order to attend Brigham Young University, students must abide by the school's Honor Code. While both homosexuals and heterosexuals must abide the church's Law Of Chastity , the Honor Code additionally prohibits all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings. There is no similar restriction against expressing heterosexual feelings. No one may advocate homosexuality or promote homosexual relations as being morally acceptable. It also prohibits cross-dressing. It does make clear, however, that sexual orientation is not an honor code issue. BYU Honor Code THE CHURCH AND THERAPY When asked the church's position on Therapy , Elder Wickman responded “It may be appropriate for that person to seek therapy. Certainly the Church doesn't council against that kind of therapy.” Elder Oaks continued “The Church rarely takes a position on which treatment techniques are appropriate.” They emphasize that the clinical side is not the most important thing, but the recognition that one has their own agency to control what they do. Church leaders caution about abusive practices, such as Aversion Therapy . In general, the church discourages against all groups that "challenge religious and moral values", "foster physical contact among participants", or "encourage open confession or disclosure of personal information normally discussed only in confidential settings." Church Handbook of Instructions They have stated that "although participants may experience temporary emotional relief or exhilaration, old problems often return, leading to added disappointment and despair." EXPERIMENTS WITH AVERSION THERAPY In the 1970s, however, Brigham Young University conducted a number of experiments in the use of Aversion Therapy .McBride, Max Ford, ''Effect of Visual Stimuli in Electric Aversion Therapy.'' Dissertation presented to the Department of Psychology of Brigham Young University, August 1976. Provo, Utah, 1976. In Chapter 3 of Max Ford McBride's dissertation, it states that “seventeen male subjects… were used in the study, 14 completed the treatment.” Two of the men committed suicide during their "treatment". The participants on the BYU campus were shown pornographic photos of men while being shocked with increasing amounts of voltage. They were then shown heterosexual pornographic images while soothing music was played in the background. Although each man signed a statement at the end of treatment that they had been "cured", no follow-up studies were ever completed and at least six of the men have since come forward to state that they lied about being cured just to end the painful and dangerous treatments. In recent years, other individuals have come forward saying that they agreed to undergo aversion therapy, from the counsel of ). ''Mike Summers''. Retrieved November 20 , 2006 from http://www.isu.edu/~schorona/mikesummers.htm These individuals, including Jayce Cox, Don Harryman, and Mike Summers, recount different parts of their experiences in different ways. Generally, the individuals describe being shown an image portraying Homoeroticism , followed by the application of a negative stimulus. Next, they were shown an image of a female, followed by the withdrawal of that stimulus. Statements on whether or not the images were Pornographic vary as well as the negative stimulus used. One account states that the stimulus was a shock to the Finger s or Penis while another describes that Ammonia was sprayed into the Nose of the individual. The president of the university in 1997 (Merrill J. Bateman) denied the historical practice of electric shock and vomiting aversion therapies on campus before 1986, despite being sent McBride's 1976 PhD dissertation at BYU.Bateman, Merrill J. Personal communication . (1997, April 9) A statement posted on the website of Evergreen International also denies the allegations they advocated aversion shock therapy). ''Question ID#: 27629''. Message posted to http://theboard.byu.edu/?area=viewall&id=27629 In, 2000 the Provo, Utah municipal police department and the chief investigator of the Utah Department Of Commerce initiated an investigation into these claims. The investigation has since closed after none of the stories could be corroborated. HOMOSEXUAL MORMONS Many individuals have come forward through different support groups or websites stating their homosexuality and concurrent church membership. Jason Park is a married, active LDS man who claims to have resolved his homosexual problems. He has shared his experience with many and has written 3 books on the subject.http://www.peoplecanchange.com/About_Us_Park.htm http://centurypubl.com/centurypubl/index.htm#Title Ty Mansfield co-authored a book about his same-gender attractions and has been interviewed by the media. Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield, authors of ''In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction'' and KSL interview by Carole Mikita with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield A number of personal accounts were published in the book ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction''. ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction'' Other personal experiences are documented on the People Can Change Web site. Others have shared their stories through the Ensign ,For example, see Becoming Whole Again , Compassion for Those Who Struggle and My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction through the Evergreen website Evergreen Testimionies and blogs. See, for example, Northern Lights , Keep Changing: A Gay Mormon Journey , The Tito Times , Here's to Hope , Original Mohomie , Of Loyal Mind , Changing Countenance , and Mormon Enigma Terminology Most homosexuals who are living a gay lifestyle do not see a problem with identifying themselves as gay, and do so openly. However, among , refer to themselves as being Ex-gay or "cured". Many homosexuals shy away from any classification of their sexuality, following the example of the leaders by speaking only in terms Same-sex Attraction , which often gets shortened to SSA. However, some oppose the use of same-sex attraction, because "it is not about sex", preferring to use Same-gender Attraction , or SGA.Matis & Mansfield, ''In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-gender Attraction'' (2004) ISBN 978-1590383315 There is even argument in how to use SSA. Most people say they struggle with SSA, even referring to themselves as "strugglers", but many object to the classification of homosexuality as being a struggle. Solutions have varied from experiencing SSA, having SSA, dealing with SSA, or even being SSA. Most use a combination of terms, and several have expressed frustration for not knowing what to call themselves. Am I SSA Support organizations The Church neither encourages nor discourages support groups for those with same gender attractions. However, they do discourage groups that foster living a homosexual lifestyle . Even though no organization is officially sponsored by the Church, several organizations have begun who have adopted theories and philosophies they believe are in line with church policy. Several church members have also joined Ex-gay organizations. Some church members who identify as LGBT have also joined other support groups that seek changes in church doctrine, and greater church tolerance and awareness regarding LGBT issues. Several support groups are listed below:
CRITICS Homophobia Stuart Matis, a celibate homosexual, stated "Straight members have absolutely no idea what it is like to grow up gay in this church. It is a life of constant torment, self-hatred and internalized homophobia."Matis, Stuart Letter to a Cousin Stuart later committed suicide at an LDS chapel in Los Altos, California.[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100EDF1C87D76D93&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Gay Mormon Kills Self on Church Steps] After two of his gay friends also committed suicide, Affirmation members began to hold suicide vigils around the country to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the destructive consequences of homophobia. Suicide victims are posted on its website.http://www.affirmation.org/suicides/ Boyd K. Packer and ''To Young Men Only'' Quinn has pointed to s to "vigorously resist" any males "who entice young men to join them in these immoral acts." Packer cites the example of a male Missionary he had known who punched his missionary companion although Packer never states why. Packer says he told the missionary, "Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn't be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way." After telling the story, Packer comments, "I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself." Packer offers a similar warning against heterosexual advances, but without the threat of violence in return: "Do not let anyone at all touch or handle your body, not anyone!"Packer, Boyd K. [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=338f18e7c379b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____ Why Stay Morally Clean] ''New Era'' July 1972 Quinn has argued that the obliqueness of these vague comments constitute an endorsement of Dallin H. Oaks has said, "Our doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called 'gay bashing'—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior" . The historical church Some members of the church argue that the church had previously been more tolerant of homosexuality, and that it is only the current leadership that have spoken out against it. Many believe that the church will one day allow committed homosexual relationships, just as they once allowed polygamous relationships. D. Michael Quinn expressed this view in ''Same-Sex Dynamics Among Nineteenth Century Americans: a Mormon Example''. Quinn's book states that during the , although church leader Joseph Smith, Jr. was accused at the time by his brother William of having tolerated Bennett's behavior for a time. It says that some active and prominent members of the church in Utah were not disciplined after publicizing that they were living in intimate relationships with their same-sex domestic partners, although there is no clear evidence these relationships involved sex. These included and May Anderson , the church's first two general Primary presidents, who lived together in the same bedroom for decades and were referred to by primary leaders as the David And Jonathan of Primary. Several LDS scholars have called Quinn's interpretations a distortion of LDS history. They deny any acceptance from previous leaders of homosexuality, and state the current leadership of the church “is entirely consistent with the teachings of past leaders and with the scriptures.”George L. Mitton, Rhett S. James A Response to D. Michael Quinn's Homosexual Distortion of Latter-day Saint History Review of ''Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example'' by D. Michael Quinn Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, 1998. Pp. 141–263 They disagree with Quinn's theory that Evan Stephens was involved in intimate relationships with other men or that the article in ''The Children's Friend'' was about these relationships. They state that Stephens "is known only as a strictly moral Christian gentleman". Since then, however, former Mormon Connell O'Donovan has provided further evidence that Stephens had a homosexual orientation, but no evidence that he had been homosexually active.http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/evan.html They also note that May originally came to Louise's house at the request of her husband to be with his wife during her illness, but that does not preclude them from thereafter "falling in love" (their words). They argue against any sexual component to their relationship. Polygamy Many people have criticized the church's stance on marriage being between a man and a woman, given the church's history with in Utah . This practice was condemned by the United States Congress , with support of the Republican Party and religious leaders who saw polygamy as an affront to the traditional home and family.Joan Smyth Iversen, "A Debate On the American Home: The Anti-Polygamy Controversy, 1880-1890," ''Journal of the History of Sexuality'' 1 (Apr. 1991): 585-602. Congress made polygamy a crime, disincorporated the church, began to seize its financial assets, and imprisoned many of its leaders. Months after a United States Supreme Court Decision upholding Congress's efforts to eradicate this type of marriage, the church issued an 1890 Manifesto officially renouncing the practice. ''See Plural Marriage ''. SEE ALSO
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