To answer the lack of response from Mormon church officials to the community outcry against recent statements calling same-sex attraction “impure and unnatural,” HRC will join with pro-equality groups in Utah next week to call on church officials to make it right and to present over 100,000 petition signatures to the church demanding them to do the same.
Add your name to our petition and tell them to make it right.
Earlier today, the Mormon Church changed one set of words and eliminated an entire passage from Elder Packer’s sermon online. They didn’t go far enough.
Elder Packer’s misstatement that sexual orientation can be changed has been debunked by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Both organizations have concluded that same-sex attraction is normal and that “reparative” therapy – like the kind being advocated by the Mormon Church – is unhealthy and harmful. Elder Packer or Church representatives have not corrected their statements in spite of the fact that they are dangerous and can result in self-loathing and potentially suicide by those struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
On Tuesday HRC, Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, Equality Utah, and the Utah Pride Center will hold a press conference calling on Elder Packer to make it right and will then present the Church with over 100,000 petition signatures calling on them to correct the record.
WHAT:
Press Conference calling on Elder Packer to correct his statements and delivery of petition signatures to Church World Headquarters
WHEN:
Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2010 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Utah Pride Center, 361 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT followed by delivery of petition signatures
WHO:
Joe Solmonese, HRC President
Bruce Bastian, Utah Philanthropist
Dave Melson, Affirmation Executive Director
Brandie Balken, Equality Utah Executive Director
Valerie Larabee, Utah Pride Center Executive Director
