LDS Church releases statement in support of same-sex marriage law

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said on Tuesday that it endorsed the pending Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would protect and recognize the validity for same-sex marriage.

The church remains firm about its stance on marriage between a man and a woman but extends its support for LGBTQ rights. The church released the following statement:

The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints related to marriage between a man and a woman is well known and will remain unchanged.

We are grateful for the continuing efforts of those who work to ensure the Respect for Marriage Act includes appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

We believe this approach is the way forward. As we work together to preserve the principles and practices of religious freedom together with the rights of LGBTQ individuals, much can be accomplished to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.