Does the law of chastity apply to those who experience same-sex attraction?

Chastity Applies to Everyone

Sexual purity is an essential part of God’s plan for our happiness. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared:

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).

“The Lord’s law of chastity is:

• Abstinence from sexual relations outside of a marriage between a man and a woman according to God’s law.

• Fidelity within marriage” (“Chastity and Fidelity,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.5).

Within the context of marriage between a man and a woman, sexual expression is an important aspect of bonding between spouses. However, if we express ourselves sexually outside the bounds the Lord has set, we not only jeopardize our ability to choose well; we also reject the pattern the Lord set for our eternal happiness.

President Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given his children. Its use was mandated in the first commandment, but another important commandment was given to forbid its misuse. The emphasis we place on the law of chastity is explained by our understanding of the purpose of our procreative powers in the accomplishment of God’s plan. …

“Outside the bonds of marriage, all uses of the procreative power are to one degree or another a sinful degrading and perversion of the most divine attribute of men and women” (“The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 74).

Chastity and Pornography

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

“The Church condemns pornography in any form. Pornography use of any kind damages individual lives, families, and society. It also drives away the Spirit of the Lord. Church members should avoid all forms of pornographic material and oppose its production, dissemination, and use” (“Pornography,” General Handbook, 38.6.11).

Viewing explicit sexual images, even out of curiosity, also violates God’s commandments. Sexual stimulation has a powerful effect on us. Even looking at images or thinking about sexual expression causes us to feel pleasure and desire more. In promoting this stimulation, pornography deadens one’s sensitivity to God’s moral law. Most importantly, it offends the Spirit, leaving one without the guidance and protection of the Holy Ghost.

The Church provides the following resources to help bishops and stake presidents as they counsel members who are involved with pornography:

• Help for Me, ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Counseling Resources, ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Addiction Recovery Program, ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts (booklet)

As we use our agency to make choices to follow God’s laws, our spirits grow stronger. If we find ourselves spiritually weakened—and we all do from time to time—our Savior Jesus Christ is there for us. Through repentance, we can return to a life characterized by self-mastery.

Repentance

People of any sexual orientation who violate the law of chastity can be reconciled with God through repentance.

As Elder David A. Bednar explained:

“Some of you who receive this message need to repent of sexual or other sins. The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician, and this title has both symbolic and literal significance. All of us have experienced the pain associated with a physical injury or wound. When we are in pain, we typically seek relief and are grateful for the medication and treatments that help to alleviate our suffering. Consider sin as a spiritual wound that causes guilt or, as described by Alma to his son Corianton, ‘remorse of conscience’ (Alma 42:18). Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44).

Repentance requires a change of heart. The precious gifts of repentance and forgiveness are made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They can wipe the slate clean and strengthen our ability to use our agency for good.