Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says newly passed marriage law demonstrates respect

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement following the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.

The release states in part, “We extend a heartfelt thank you and our congratulations to all who played a part in the passage of the amended Respect for Marriage Act. Their efforts to protect religious freedom as Congress sought to codify the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage decision are both historic and commendable.”

The bill ensures respect for state regulation of marriage: protecting same-sex and interracial marriages.

The Church, which is known for supporting marriage between a man and a woman, announced they would be supporting the bill one month ago.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports marriage act with religious protections

 

The Church release goes on, “The amended Respect for Marriage Act specifically recognizes that “diverse beliefs about the role of gender in marriage are held by reasonable and sincere people based on decent and honorable religious or philosophical premises.”

The statement also reaffirmed the church’s stance on marriage, “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.

The statement concludes:

 “Congress has now reaffirmed that our beliefs “are due proper respect.”

“The new law demonstrates that respect. The law states that it can’t be used to harm religious or conscience rights for faith-based institutions. It protects the tax-exempt status of religious organizations. It protects the grants, licenses, contracts and accreditation of religious schools. And it ensures that religious organizations, religious schools and their employees do not have to perform or host same-sex marriages or celebrations. No law is perfect. But putting such protections in the federal code is a big step forward.

“The Church has been pleased to participate with many others in the difficult but worthy work of civil engagement that accompanied the passage of this bill. Like the Church-supported Utah law in 2015, our efforts are helping the nation pursue freedom, fairness and respect for all.”

The bill was signed into law on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

On July 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, with all four of Utah’s Republican representatives voting in favor of it and on Nov. 29, the U.S. Senate passed the bill.