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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Deseret News' Sunday editorial calls for civility after a week of protest and public scrutiny of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Apostle Boyd K. Packer.
During last week's 180th Semiannual General Conference Packer, President of the Quorum of 12 Apostles, spoke about same-sex attraction and said homosexuality is an immoral condition that can and should be overcome.
The lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community has called Packer's words hurtful, hateful and dangerous, prompting the LDS Church to re-emphasize "that there is no room in this discussion for hatred or mistreatment of anyone."
In its editorial the Deseret News says, "The LDS Church has consistently reached out with understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender" and accuses activists of using "a grossly misguided caricature of the LDS Church's support of traditional morality" for their own political agenda.
The editorial calls for all to read President Packer's talk "rather than simply rely on the media interpretations and selective quotations."
"Contrary to what some have written in provocative press releases, nothing in President Packer's talk says that 'violence and/or discrimination against LGBT people is acceptable,'" the editorial reads.
The editorial says the "distortion" of President Packer's words can prevent those with "different perspectives to constructively address the serious problems under consideration."
The editorial closes by promoting thoughtful and civil dialogue that "should respect context, should not prejudge motive and must work to include instead of isolate."
