On Tuesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorsed the pending Respect for Marriage Act, a bill in the Senate that would enshrine protections for same-sex marriage in federal law.
“We are grateful for the continuing efforts of those who work to ensure the Respect for Marriage Act includes appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters,” said the statement posted on the Utah-based church’s website.
The church statement added, “We believe this approach is the way forward. As we work together to preserve the principles and practices of religious freedom together with the rights of LGBTQ individuals, much can be accomplished to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.