An overwhelming majority of Mormons in Utah support their church’s horrific new policy labeling same-sex couples as “apostates” and barring their children from being baptized.
However, the vast majority of non-Mormons in Utah oppose both policies, highlighting the massive cultural rift that in many ways defines the Beehive State, according to a new poll from The Salt Lake Tribune.
The poll found that 72 percent of Utah Mormons support the policy labeling parents as apostates, with 18 percent opposed, while 70 percent support the policy on children, with 21 percent opposed.
“I really support our prophet because I know he receives revelation,” poll respondent Janet Jameson told the Tribune. “I don’t think the church would take this stand if it weren’t revelation.
“One of our best neighbors is gay, and we think the world of him,” Jameson added. “I don’t think [the policy] will have any impact on gay Mormons. We respect [our neighbor’s] feelings and way of life. … We’ve rented to gay couples and they are the best renters we’ve ever had. … God loves everybody, but he has certain rules.”
A top Mormon leader claimed recently that the anti-gay policies, announced in November, were a revelation from God to Church President Thomas S. Monson, who’s considered a prophet, and that they were inspired by “compassion.”
Among non-Mormons, 71 percent oppose the policy on same-sex couples, while 18 percent support it. Seventy-four percent of non-Mormons oppose the policy on gay couples’ children, while 18 percent support it.
One gay Mormon explained that the overwhelming support for the policies among church members is due to a mandate which says they must “follow the prophet” or be relegated to the status of “servants of Satan.”
Among those who oppose the new policies — which have prompted thousands to leave the church — is new Salt Lake Mayor Jackie Biskupski (right), who became the city’s first openly LGBT mayor — and the only out lesbian mayor of a large US city — earlier this month.
“I share in the sadness and confusion that this new policy has caused many in our community — both members of the church and nonmembers,” Biskupski has said. “The LDS Church has done so much good in promoting the strength of the family, and while I strongly believe they are entitled to live in their doctrine, I hope this policy direction will not last long.”
Considering that the Mormon church didn’t allow black members until 1978, Biskupski may be disappointed.
On the bright side, have you heard about the new gay Mormon superhero?
