The Mormon Church seems to keep getting more anti-LGBTQ, with a recent update to its guide for missionaries including the so-called November Policy against baptizing children of same-sex couples. But some LGBTQ church members and observers have dug in and will keep fighting for equality and acceptance.
The Salt Lake City–based denomination, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, adopted the policy in November 2015, or at least that was when it was leaked, hence the name. It denies baptism to children whose primary residence is with a same-sex couple. Once the children reach age 18, they can be baptized in the church, but only if they are no longer living with the couple and condemn same-sex relationships. The church, which has long opposed any sexual relationship outside of heterosexual marriage, also for the first time listed same-sex marriage under the definition of apostasy — the rejection of church teachings. These policies were added to the denomination's leadership manual.
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