Church Expands Restrictions on Transgender Members

In a recent update to its General Handbook, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expanded its existing policy that prohibits transgender individuals from being baptized. The new rules not only maintain the ban on baptism for those who have begun transition-related medical treatments but also introduce potential annotations on the membership records of trans members, categorizing them alongside individuals who have committed serious offenses such as incest and sexual violence. The church's updated guidelines discourage transgender individuals from pursuing any form of surgical, medical, or social transition, urging them and their families to seek counsel from local church leaders regarding their participation in church activities. This marks a significant shift from the church's previous stance, which had only restricted baptism for those undergoing medical transition, reflecting concerns that local leaders may have overstepped the original intent of the 2020 policies. These new restrictions appear to contradict the church's recent efforts to adopt a more inclusive approach towards the LGBTQ community, particularly following backlash from its support of California's Proposition 8 in the early 2000s. Notably, in 2019, the church reversed a previous ban on baptizing children of same-sex couples, indicating a potential shift in its overall stance on LGBTQ issues. Experts suggest that the church's conflicting policies highlight the challenges religious organizations face as they navigate the evolving landscape of LGBTQ rights and acceptance over the past two decades. The handbook emphasizes the need for sensitivity and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.