LGBTQ Advocates Claim Mormon Church’s Trans Policies Marginalize Members

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ activists following the release of new policies this week that limit the participation of transgender members within the church.

On Monday, the church announced updates to its General Handbook that expand an existing prohibition on transgender individuals being baptized. The new guidelines also prevent transgender people from working with children or serving as priests and teachers.

While the handbook affirms the right of those who transition to attend sacrament meetings and participate in various church activities, it imposes considerable restrictions on their involvement. Members who have transitioned are now prohibited from staying overnight at youth camps and can only use single-occupancy restrooms. When using a restroom that aligns with their gender identity, a “trusted person” must monitor the area to ensure privacy.

In outlining its stance, the church maintains that gender is defined by one’s biological sex at birth, although it does not comment on the causes of gender dysphoria. This revision shifts the interpretation and enforcement of policies from local congregations and bishops to a more uniform approach across the church.

Doug Andersen, a spokesperson for the church, stated that the updates aim to assist local leaders in ministering effectively to transgender individuals and their families. The updates clarify aspects related to baptism, confirmation, priesthood, and temple ordinances while promoting both policy consistency and local ministerial flexibility.

These stringent guidelines have raised alarms among LGBTQ+ advocates within the faith, who argue that the measures further alienate transgender individuals who already feel marginalized. Laurie Lee Hall, a transgender woman who was excommunicated in 2017 following her transition, expressed frustration over the new policies and their impact on her connection to the church.

“The door seems shut and bolted,” Hall remarked, reflecting on her previous experience of being welcomed by a local Mormon congregation that allowed her to participate in women’s activities.

She worries that the new rules will force her into uncomfortable situations, such as attending classes with men while dressed as a woman. “It would put a target on me as someone who is severely off-script,” she added, highlighting her concerns about how these policies could hinder her community involvement.

What troubles Hall the most is the policy banning transgender individuals from working with children and the requirement for chaperones when using appropriate restrooms. “It implies that a trans member is somehow a danger to others,” she said, calling it a dehumanizing and toxic environment for those reconciling their faith with their gender identity.

The church has attempted to take a more compassionate stance on LGBTQ+ issues over the last decade. However, challenges remain, particularly following a controversial policy change in 2015 that prohibited baptisms for children of gay parents and labeled same-sex couples as sinners. Those measures were lifted in 2019.

Matthew Bowman, who chairs Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University, noted that the new guidelines are not surprising and reflect a long-standing struggle within the church regarding these issues. He commented that members have grown accustomed to the church’s conservative stances and reluctance to adapt, but the explicit nature of the updated policies makes the situation painful for many.

Hall holds onto hope that the church’s direction will eventually shift, similar to its repeal of the ban on the ordination of African Americans. She fears, however, that if exclusionary policies continue, many individuals may leave the church.

“If that continues, there is going to be generational loss because young people are not going to accept these draconian policies,” she advocated. “All of this is completely avoidable if only the church can simply say we love you and we’ll find ways to include you.”

Source: Associated Press