Did Mormon Leader Draw Parallel Between Rape and Gay Sex?

Church officials finally acknowledge the #MeToo movement but manage to offend with their terminology.

Nbroverman

Since the allegations against former film mogul Harvey Weinstein came to light in the fall, few industries have been immune to charges that powerful men abused others via sexual harassment, abuse, or assault. Religious institutions have also found themselves playing defense, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Finally, Mormon officials addressed the #MeToo movement, with Elder Quentin Cook vaguely broaching the subject during the LDS General Conference on Sunday.

"Such nonconsensual immorality is against the laws of God and of society," he said. "However, those who understand God's plan must also oppose consensual immorality, which is also a sin."

Some observers took offense to the verbiage, saying the elder drew a link between sexual assault and other conduct perceived as immoral by the Mormon Church, such as gay sex or any sex outside of marriage.

\u201cWait what is "non-consensual immorality" is that code for rape & sexual abuse & assault? Because if so then what is "consensual morality". I need church leaders to use the correct words cause to this day I still don't even know what "necking and petting" is -Z #LDSconf #ElderCook\u201d
— Sistas in Zion (@Sistas in Zion) 1522619035

Cook's resistance to using the words "sexual assault" or "rape" also did not go over well.

\u201cTelling victims that they've engaged in immorality is victim blaming no matter how many qualifiers you put in front of it. #ldsconf\u201d
— Emily Jensen (@Emily Jensen) 1522625315

Officially, Mormon policy states that "victims of sexual abuse are not guilty of sin and do not need to repent."