Can Same Sex Attraction Be Overcome?

Some say: That Boyd K. Packer's October 2010 LDS Conference talk was anti-gay because he said, "Some suppose that they were preset and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. Not so!"

Beyond the Headlines: President Packer's statement is clearly in opposition to LGBT teachings. However, President Packer said nothing that was derogatory or negative toward people with same-sex attraction, practicing homosexuals or not. He did reiterate the position of the LDS Church that homosexual relationships are contrary to God's commandments and that the church would continue to oppose attempts to legalize same sex marriage. However, this was not even the focus of his talk. He talked more extensively about pornography, and spent a great deal of time giving hope to those who want to get away from pornography and homosexuality:

"For those who truly desire it, there is a way back."

"Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes."

"Paul promised that 'God . . . will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.'"

"I know of no more beautiful and consoling words in all of revelation than these: 'Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.'"

I promise that ahead of you is peace and happiness for you and your family.

President Packer did speak out against what the church teaches is sin. At the same time he reached out to those struggling with those sins to offer them love and hope.

Although President Packer was speaking purely from a theological point of view, contrary to popular belief, there is scientific and anecdotal evidence that people can "overcome temptations toward" homosexuality. Consider these articles:

"Can Some Gay Men and Lesbians Change Their Sexual Orientation? 200 Participants Reporting a Change from Homosexual to Heterosexual Orientation", Robert L. Spitzer, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Volume 32, Number 5, 403-417

"The APA's Pro-Gay 'River of Denial'", By Debbie Thurman

"Initial Empirical and Clinical Findings Concerning the Change Process for Ex-Gays", Warren Throckmorton, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Volume 33, Issue 3, June 2002, Pages 242-248

For additional related information, see

Evergreen International - Evergreen is a nonprofit organization that helps people who want to diminish same-sex attractions and overcome homosexual behavior.

National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality - NARTH is a professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality.

For more information about the LDS Church stand on Same Gender Attraction

Church statement in response to Human Rights Campaign Petition

God Loveth His Children - LDS Pamphlet for church members struggling with same gender attraction

Same Gender Attraction - LDS Public Affairs interview with Elder Oaks and Elder Wickman

What is the Church's Attitude on Homosexuality - FAQ page on mormon.org