The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon church, issued new policies expanding restrictions on transgender members. Trans people are now barred from working with children, becoming priests, serving as teachers, being baptized, and may face annotation on their records. Church leaders advise against transitioning away from one’s biological sex, with those who do facing membership restrictions or being completely turned away. Exceptions to the limitations can be granted with leadership permission or if individuals detransition. These changes represent a more restrictive and less accommodating stance compared to previous policies. The church’s position on LGBTQ issues has evolved, with recent support for federal legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. However, the new restrictions on trans members conflict with the church’s more welcoming approach to the LGBTQ community in recent years. The church has struggled to reconcile its teachings with inclusivity, leading to contradictions in its policies. Moving forward, the church will continue to navigate the complexities of LGBTQ issues while holding onto its core teachings. The new restrictions highlight the ongoing challenges religious groups face in addressing LGBTQ rights and inclusivity.
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