An unprecedented use of social media was addressed by The LDS Church calling a news conference on religious freedom. We learned very clearly that although people think differently, there must still be a way to live in relative harmony with one another by allowing freedom of religion and choice that does not interfere with one another’s personal beliefs. Sis. Neill F. Marriott, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland addressed the media on January 27, 2015 with statements from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In explaining the Church’s stand on the LGBT lifestyle, Sis. Marriott said, “This commandment and doctrine comes from sacred scripture and we are not at liberty to change it. But, God is loving and merciful. His heart reaches out to all of His children equally and He expects us to treat each other with love and fairness.” Even though opposite choices are made, this does not excuse judgment, meanness, or prejudice. LDS members would be wise to show love and respect for those who do not follow our beliefs. Likewise, LGBT advocates should show the same love and respect to those who believe differently.
Elder Oaks, a former lawyer and judge, reminded us that the laws, meant to protect individuals, are eroding. LGBT proponents are demanding that Christians’ 
freedoms be taken away. Examples were given of pastors being prevented from speaking sermons in their churches, doctors being forced to perform abortions, and people being fired because they donate to causes that fight against the LGBT desires. He stated,
“When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser. Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender.”
Elder Oaks listed four principles based on fairness taught by Jesus Christ:
- We claim for everyone the God-given and Constitutional right to live their faith according to the dictates of their own conscience, without harming the health or safety of others.
- We acknowledge that the same freedom of conscience must apply to men and women everywhere to follow the religious faith of their choice, or none at all if they so choose.
- We believe laws ought to be framed to achieve a balance in protecting the freedoms of all people while respecting those with differing values.
- We reject persecution and retaliation of any kind, including persecution based on race, ethnicity, religious belief, economic circumstances or differences in gender or sexual orientation.”
Elder Holland said that religious communities should be able to have the right to share their own views. “Nothing is achieved if either side resorts to bullying, political point scoring or accusations of bigotry. These are serious issues, and they require serious minds engaged in thoughtful, courteous discourse.”
They all, in speaking for the Church, called upon members to show respect to others who differ from us. They also called upon fellow citizens to allow differing minds to live as they desire and in peace. Fellow citizens should be responsible for the way they treat one another.
This is as it should be. If we allow discrimination against one group, who is to say that we won’t be next? The Constitution protects the God given rights, freedoms, and liberties of all. That doesn’t mean that one group can claim “special” status or rights above another; nor does it mean that all “religions” are equal and should be allowed. I appreciate the clarification that we can “. . . live [our] faith according to the dictates of [our] own conscience, without harming the health or safety of others.”