 the law of chastity is a moral code defined by the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints (lds church). according to the church, chastity means abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity to one's spouse during marriage. as part of the law of chastity, the church teaches its members not only to abstain from adultery and fornication, but also to refrain from masturbation and to avoid sexually inappropriate thoughts. the law of chastity is taught to church members of all ages, and is especially emphasized to adolescents. ==general standards== within the lds church, chastity means more than abstinence from sex. it means to be morally clean in "thoughts, words, and actions." it also means sexual relations are only permitted between a husband and wife. the church teaches its members that "no one, male or female, is to have sexual relations before marriage. after marriage, sexual relations are permitted only with our spouse." mormons believe that sexuality between man and woman lawfully married is divinely appointed and has two purposes: to "multiply, and replenish the earth" () as commanded by god to adam and eve, and to strengthen the bond between man and woman that they might "become one flesh" (). a church handbook for leaders states that married couples should be made aware "that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved not only for the purpose of procreation, but also as a way of expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife." the church has made its views clear in many publications and in recent news releases that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of god".. see also: the family: a proclamation to the world while opposing homosexual behavior, the church reaches out with understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender.{{citation |contribution= 21.4.6: homosexual behavior and same-gender attraction |cha
Latter_Day_Saint_doctrines_and_practices_regarding_sexuality_and_gender Latter_Day_Saint_temple_practices Latter_Day_Saint_terms Religious_law Sexual_abstinence