When I read the reason that the Mormon Church gave for opposing a ban on “conversion therapy” for LBGTQ people, I remembered an incident from years ago.
There was a well-meaning young couple who had a small child, who they were convinced was more than just special. He couldn’t be exposed to anything unclean, because he was a prophet (or more). So they fed him nothing but lettuce and watermelon, to keep him “clean.” Eventually he was discovered to be severely malnourished, and the child was taken from them.
The point is, thank goodness the state didn’t side with the parents, who claimed they had a religious right to do as they wanted with their child.
The same holds true today with conversion therapy. Clearly, if the article was correct, and 60% of people who undergo conversion therapy attempt suicide, it is a real danger to them. Why doesn’t the church acknowledge this obvious fact?
Parents should not have unending, all-powerful “religious rights,” even with their own children. Otherwise they are as bad as the parents of the lettuce and watermelon “prophet” boy.
Kim Johnston, West Valley City
