Extend Compassion

Elder Dallin H. Oaks condemns physical or verbal attacks on gays and lesbians. He encourages Church members to replace fears or misgivings with compassion, and to invite and welcome everyone to participate in Church activities. From the October 1995 Ensign.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
"Our doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called 'gay bashing'—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior.

We should extend compassion to persons who suffer from ill health, including those who are infected with HIV or who are ill with AIDS (who may or may not have acquired their condition from sexual relations). We should encourage such persons to participate in the activities of the Church. 

Applying the First Presidency’s distinction to the question of same-sex relationships, we should distinguish between homosexual 'thoughts and feelings', and 'homosexual behavior.'"