The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a news release on Saturday upholding its opposition to the Equality Act and the alternative bill of Rep. Chris Stewart endorsed, which he said would protect both LGBTQ rights and religious freedom.
“We stand by our rulings from 2019 and reiterate the church’s support for equality and justice,” the release said. ‘We can support legislation that provides protection to LGBT people as well as people and religious institutions. Both are possible and clearly required in a just society. ‘
In 2019, the Utah-based faith said it was concerned that the Equality Act, which is intended to protect LGBTQ rights at the federal level, does not protect religious freedom. The church has warned that the act will impose secular standards on religious activities, repel religious charities and destroy religious education.
Stewart said his proposal similarly protects LGBTQ people from housing and employment discrimination, while also allowing schools to adhere to religious standards without being barred from doing so and that small business owners refuse to engage in activities that are contrary to their beliefs.
Civil rights and gay rights groups said Stewart’s bill would withhold existing protection that prevents discrimination based on race and sex.
The Equality Act is in question again this year. It has passed the House, but is considered unlikely to pass a divided Senate. Stewart also reintroduced his bill.
The LDS Church reaffirmed on Saturday that it supports measures that protect LGBT people as well as religious individuals and institutions.
‘The church supports legislation introduced by Rep. Chris Stewart, who meets both of these critical requirements, ‘he said,’ and is confident that a balanced, fair and unifying approach can be achieved. ‘
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