The Mormon Church announced Tuesday that it supports anti-discrimination legislation to protect LGBT Americans.
The Church made the announcement during a press conference at its Salt Lake City headquarters, and added the caveat that the religious beliefs of those opposing LGBT rights should also be protected.
Quorum of Twelve Apostles member Elder Darrin Oaks insisted: "When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser. Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender."
Oaks cited several examples of people of various denominations being persecuted for demonstrating their belief in biblical marriage.
Last year, for instance, Houston Mayor and outspoken lesbian Annise Parker moved to subpoena the sermons of five pastors who openly opposed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.
Oaks found such targeting hypocritical.
"It is one of today's great ironies that some people who have fought so hard for LGBT rights now try to deny the rights of others to disagree with their public policy proposals," he said.
Quorum member Elder D Todd Christofferson said the Church's announcement came after years of discussion with LGBT groups, and coincided with the start of new legislative sessions.
"It seemed like the right time to speak, before positions get any more hardened on either side," he explained.
Utah Sen. Jim Dabakis, who is openly gay, praised the Church's stance.
"I am proud that the LDS Church has seen fit to lead the way in non-discrimination," he said. "Now, let's roll up our sleeves, get to work and pass a statewide nondiscrimination bill."
