A petition on Change.org is calling for stars to boycott the Mormon Tabernacle Choir after a recent anti-LGBT policy from the church.
Scott Fausett, the starter, has three children, all of whom have been raised in the church. He had this to say about the new ruling, “I am afraid [the] new policy from the Mormon church will tear my family apart. The policy makes homosexuality akin to murder and rape, and says that LGBT people like me are “apostates” whose children will be banned from the church unless they disavow their parents.”
Scott’s petition calls on performers in the upcoming annual Christmas concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to cancel their performances, and for PBS to not broadcast the show this year. More than 80,000 people will attend the performances over four days, and stars include Laura Osnes, Erin Morley, Tamara Mumford, Ben Bliss, Tyler Simpson, and Martin Jarvis.
The new Mormon policy prevents children of same-sex couples from being baptized or blessed, receive the priesthood, or to serve a mission until they turn 18, and then only if they:
- Disavow the practice of same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage
- Agree to no longer live with the gay parent
- Get approval from their local leaders
- Get permission from the highest level leaders at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City
“This policy drives a wedge between families and forces children to pick sides between their religion and the people that they love – their own parent, ” states Fausett in his petition.
“Not only is this policy for new converts, but it also applies to any child who is currently a member of the church but has a gay parent. Regardless of how long the child has attended church, as of last week they can no longer progress or receive the “ordinances” in the Church until they are 18, even if the gay parent approves.
“This new policy is very detrimental to the well-being of children of a gay parent. Many of us at one time were in a mixed-orientation marriage and had children that are currently being raised in the LDS Church, and now those children are no longer allowed to be part of the Church.
“Please show the LDS Church that you disapprove of this type of bullying of children and discrimination by canceling your guest performance next month with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for their Christmas performances.”
View the petition here.
