page_title: Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
section_title: 1990s
hierarchical_section_title: Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints / Timeline of important publications and speeches / 1990s
caption_attribution_description: English: Photo of Gordon B. Hinckley, an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
context_page_description: The law of chastity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states that "sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife." In principle, this commandment forbids all same-sex sexual behavior. Homosexuality-related violations of the law of chastity may result in church discipline.
  Members of the church who experience homosexual attractions, including those who self-identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, may remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from sexual relations. Although no one, including those participating in same-sex sexual behavior, is forbidden from LDS Church Sunday worship services, acquiring and maintaining membership in the church and receiving a temple recommend is dependent upon observing the law of chastity's prohibition of sexual relationships outside a marital relationship between husband and wife.
  The LDS Church previously taught that homosexuality is a curable condition, but now states that "individuals do not choose to have such attractions."
context_section_description: 1990 – A version of the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet first mentioned homosexuality, characterizing it as an unnatural affection, a sex perversion and an abomination.
  1991 – The First Presidency sent a letter on November 14 to be read in all congregations stating homosexual thoughts and feelings can and should be overcome by sincere repentance, persistent effort, the help of others, and counsel from a bishop. The letter made a distinction between thoughts and behavior, and called for love and understanding for those struggling to overcome gay thoughts.
  1992 – The church published a guide for local leaders which stated that homosexual feelings can be overcome, and sometimes heterosexual feelings emerge leading to happy, eternal marriage relationships. The pamphlet did not frame homosexuality as a disease corresponding to the recent change by the World Health Organization removing homosexuality as a mental disorder.
  1994 – The First Presidency issued a statement encouraging members to contact their legislators in an effort to reject same-sex marriage.
  1995 – First presidency member James Faust wrote an article denying any biological components in the causes of homosexuality. He also stated that gay relationships would help unravel society.
  1995 – Church president Gordon B. Hinckley read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in the Fall General Conference which states that marriage between a man and a woman is essential and ordained of God. It also teaches that gender is an essential part of one's eternal identity and purpose. The document has been submitted by the church in several amicus briefs as evidence against legalizing same-sex marriages.
  1995 – Church president Hinckley condemned same-sex marriage in the October General Conference, but invited members of the church reach out and sympathize with homosexual individuals.
  1995 – An article by Dallin H. Oaks denounced gay bashing and gave a nuanced view on potential biological components of the etiology of homosexuality. It also advised against using the sexual identifiers gay or lesbian.
  1995 – The church's Family Services published a manual for practitioners which stated that dysfunctional family relationships and abuse were at the root of homosexuality, and gave advice on how to prevent and treat homosexuality.
  1997 – Church president Gordon B. Hinckley gave an interview in which he called gay members of the church good people and said they're not reprimanded for their attractions unless involved in sexual transgressions. He affirmed that gay Mormons must live a celibate life.
  1998 – The Church Handbook was updated to ban members from full-time missionary service who had participated in "homosexual acts" from age 15 (unless it had been at least one year since the occurrence and there was strong evidence of reformation). The update also included the first church policy sections on homosexuality and same-gender marriage, stating that members with homosexual thoughts, feelings, or actions should be helped to understand faith, repentance, life's purpose, and to accept responsibility for their thoughts. Additionally, the manual encourages members to appeal to government officials to reject same-sex marriage.
  1999 – The Area Presidency of the North America West Area sent a May 11 letter to all area leaders directing members to donate their means and time to pass the Knight Initiative against same-sex marriage in California. A second letter invited church members to donate money, and a third letter (sent a month and a half before the proposition would pass) asked members to redouble their efforts in contacting neighbors and to place provided yard signs.
  1999 – The church published an Ensign article which states that homosexuality is changeable and heterosexual feelings will emerge and is caused by personality traits, sexual abuse, familial factors, and treatment by peers.
caption: During his 13 years as president, Hinckley brought a shift in tone towards empathy in church public discussions on homosexuality.[40]:45[382]:62
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