The LDS Church Backs Measures To Protect LGBT people as LONG as Religion Is Protected As Well

In 2019, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put out a statement saying that they did not agree or support with The Equality Act that was trying to be passed, saying:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is deeply concerned that the ongoing conflicts between religious liberty and LGBT rights are poisoning our civil discourse, eroding the free exercise of religion and preventing diverse Americans of good will from living together in respect and peace. Lawmakers across the nation, including members of Congress, are working to enact or strengthen laws that ensure LGBT persons fair access to important rights, such as nondiscrimination in areas like housing, employment and appropriate public accommodations. The Church is on record favoring reasonable measures that secure such rights.

So what can be done when the Church warns that such an act would impose secular standards on religious activities, defund religious charities and devastate religious education. That's where Rep. Chris Stewart comes in.

Rep. Chris Stewart has proposed an alternative to the Equality Act, called the Fairness For All Act. 

It offers protections for the LGBTQ community while also providing safeguards for religious liberty. 

Stewart said his proposal similarly would shield LGBTQ people from housing and employment discrimination while also allowing schools to follow religious standards without being defunded and small-business owners to refuse to participate in activities contrary to their beliefs.

If you want to know more about the Church and the LGBT community, maybe check out the book Listen, Learn, and Love by Richard Ostler, currently on sale at cedarfort.com.