EXHIBITS

From Housewives to Protesters: Mormons for the ERA: LDS Position on the ERA

LDS Position on the ERA

SCAMSS0225Bx022Fd01-001.pdf

First Presidency statement explaining the LDS Church’s position on the ERA [Click image to enlarge.]

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Collection MSS 225, Box 22, Folder 1.)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (formerly known by nicknames like Mormon or LDS Church) opposed the ratification of the ERA and deemed it a “moral issue.” The LDS Church published a pamphlet in the Church-produced magazine, the Ensign, detailing their position. The pamphlet explains that the LDS Church is opposed to the Equal Rights Amendment because of its potential impact on the family and their concern that the amendment would blur distinctions between men and women and make it difficult for women to fulfil their roles as a “nurturer” and remain in the home. The pamphlet argues, “court and administrative interpretations of the ERA could endanger time-honored moral values by challenging laws that have safeguarded the family and afforded women necessary protections and exemptions.”[1] The LDS Church was not only concerned about the ERA’s impact on the family, but also the potential impact on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and women’s military service.

SCAMSS0225Bx012Fd16-004.pdf

Frequently asked questions from a larger LDS Church pamphlet distributed with the monthly Ensign discussing the Church’s position on the ERA [Click image to enlarge.]

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Collection MSS 225, Box 12, Folder 16.)

SCAMSS0225Bx012Fd16-005.pdf

Topics include the potential impact of the ERA on abortion, homosexuality, and military service for women. It also addresses if support of the amendment is grounds for excommunication. [Click image to enlarge.]

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Collection MSS 225, Box 12, Folder 16.)

SCAMSS0225Bx012Fd16-019.pdf

An article describing “The Latter-day Saint Perspective.” The article describes the importance of following the First Presidency and advises members to gain a confirmation of the First Presidency’s position on the ERA. [Click image to enlarge.]

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Collection MSS 225, Box 12, Folder 16.)

SCAMSS0225Bx012Fd16-020.pdf

This article discusses the way the First Presidency goes about declaring a “moral issue” [Click image to enlarge.]

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Collection MSS 225, Box 12, Folder 16.)

[1] “The Church and the Proposed Equal Rights Amendment: A Moral Issue,” Ensign, March 1980, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/03/the-church-and-the-proposed-equal-rights-amendment-a-moral-issue/the-latter-day-saint-perspective?lang=eng.