NEW: Governor Herbert Weighs In On LDS Church Policy Aimed At Children Of Same-Sex Households

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Governor Gary Herbert speaks at his monthly KUED news conference. Photo Courtesy: KUED

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – November 12, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Utah Governor Gary Herbert reacted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ recent policy changes excluding the children of same-sex couples from membership.

The policy, unveiled November 5, prohibits children in same-sex households from being baptized into the Church until the age of 18. At that time, they must renounce their family members’ lifestyles in order to be considered for membership.

The policy notice came on the same day the Church declared participation in a same-sex marriage constituted an act of apostasy.

Speaking at his monthly news conference on KUED Thursday, the governor was asked for his thoughts on the policy.

“Let me speak as the governor, because that’s why I’m here,” he said. “Far be it from me to tell any religion, whether it’s the LDS Church, Catholic church, Protestants or non-Christian what their doctrine should be, what their policies and practices should be.

“We’re not going to be involved in government in telling religions what to do and how to do it.”

Gov. Herbert also addressed the issue of the Utah judge who has ordered a married same-sex couple to give up their foster daughter because of their sexuality.

Judge Scott Johansen told Beckie Peirce, 34, and April Hoagland, 38, he had research to show children do better when raised in a heterosexual home and said the 1-year-old girl they planned to adopt would fare better in a different home. The order in the central Utah city of Price raised concerns among the state’s child welfare agency.

“I expect the court and the judge to follow the law,” said Gov. Herbert. “He may not like the law, but he should follow the law. We don’t want to have activism on the bench in any way, shape or form. Laws, sometimes people don’t like, but the judge should not interject his own personal beliefs and feelings and supersede the law.”

The controversy surrounding newly announced policies continues to grow.

Two new petitions, posted on Change.org, are striking at the heart of two cherished traditions, the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Concert and BYU football.

A Mass Resignation Event is also planned for Saturday, November 14, at City Creek Park at 1 p.m.

Here is the audio file from Gov. Herbert’s KUED Monthly News Conference:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6K2bcFitz63WUdFSk1JeTQ2S00/view?usp=sharing

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