This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah-based LDS Church isn't coming out directly in support of — or against — the Obama administration's directive that transgender students be allowed to use facilities that match their gender identity.
Spokesman Eric Hawkins said Tuesday in a statement that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is instead calling on public officials to create rules and laws that balance safety, privacy and dignity for all.
Hawkins says Mormon leaders believe reasonable solutions can be reached when "people of goodwill" work to find answers.
He says LDS leaders teach that gender is part of a person's "eternal God-given identity and purpose." Because of that, Hawkins says, church leaders don't baptize people planning transgender operations. People who choose to have the operation may risk losing their membership in the religion.