It’s no secret that reporters struggle with statistics. But this story combines that problem with weak reporting on Mormonism and gay issues. And it is a doozy. This might be the most illogical and bizarre story I’ve read in some time. I passed it along to a few other reporters and they couldn’t believe it had been published. So with that, I present MyFoxPhoenix.com’s (KSAZ FOX 10 KUTP My45) “Suicide Rate Disturbingly High Among Arizona Mormons.”
Now, I wouldn’t use the word “disturbingly” in a headline but let’s just let that slide and go right to the allegation that the suicide rate for Arizona Mormons is disturbingly high. The article begins by noting that Mesa’s Mormon temple kicked off its Christmas celebration on Friday night. Then, we’re told, a group of gay Mormons lit candles and snuffed them out to symbolize gay Mormons who have committed suicide.
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