The Packer Effect
We may not be able to prove that language like that expressed by Boyd “homophobe” Packer leads directly to suicides of homosexual Mormons (like this one), but here’s some interesting correlational data that suggests his anti-scientific, ignorant, bigoted views are filtering down to the members, at least those in Utah:
A statewide poll shows 44 percent of Utahns agree with Mormon apostle Boyd K. Packer that it’s possible for homosexuality to be overcome.
The Salt Lake Tribune poll found 31 percent disagree and 25 percent were unsure whether same-sex attraction can be changed.
The poll also found that 55 percent of Mormon respondents said it’s possible to change same-sex attractions compared with 20 percent of non-Mormon respondents.
The good news: 45% of Mormons disagree with a senior apostle! The bad news, this is really what the Mormon Tabernacle Choir looks like:
55% of the choir members in the photo have been "modified" to reflect the percent of Utah Mormons who are bigots, like Boyd (click for full size)
That graphic is kind of creepy… Great way to illustrate the percentage though!
I was thinking about this while watching that Nightline video, particularly the “happy ending” (where the young LDS couple is expecting a baby and bonding by romantically checking our guys together). So many Mormons will watch that and assume that the mainstream consensus is that changing your orientation really is a reasonable goal.
Although if they’re checking out guys together, his orientation ain’t exactly changing. Maybe Mormons will think it’s reasonable for gays to marry because a mixed-orientation marriage is potentially “fun” and “unique.”