Mormon Church Backs US Same-Sex Marriage Law

Facts

• On Tuesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints announced support for the 'Respect for Marriage Act,' which aims to protect same-sex marriage rights under federal law.¹
• The group said that while the church's doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman would continue, they would support the rights of same-sex couples as long as it doesn't restrict religious groups' rights to believe what they want as well.²
• The statement came as the US Senate is set to vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, which will repeal a law from the Clinton era that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.³
• It also prohibits states from denying out-of-state marriage licenses and benefits on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national identity.³
• The church's statement follows an amendment to the bill — initially introduced in July — that protects churches from legal action for declining to provide service for any marriage it opposes.¹
• With the Senate having voted to advance the amended bill on Wednesday, it could receive final approval as early as this week.⁴

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²FOX News, ³Guardian and ⁴Washington Post.

Narratives

• Republican narrative, as provided by Federalist. Resorting to its overused tactic of fearmongering, Democrats are fabricating issues in an attempt to bolster support. Same-sex marriage is already a legal reality in all 50 states. This bill only serves to distract from the real challenges America faces: soaring inflation, an over-burdened border, the war in Ukraine, and record crime.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by PBS NewsHour. This bill is a proactive measure to enshrine the fundamental right to marriage into federal law, and the Mormon church's stance reflects the pluralistic society we live in today. It's encouraging that the church is working toward preserving both their own religious freedom while also working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people.