The Mormon Church has issued a statement to clarify that it is not supporting a statewide LGBTQ non-discrimination bill in Utah – just two days after it made a statement that led some to think that it may do so.

On Friday, the Church of Latter Day Saints posted a statement on a beta website – Mormon 101 – saying, ‘Church leaders recognize the nuanced complexity of gender identity, strongly advocating for inclusion and KINDNESS TOWARD PEOPLE of all gender-orientations, and contending that there is room for compassion and common ground among people who disagree.’

‘The Church website mormonsandgays.org details sincere outreach by the Church within the gay community, including support in in Utah for nondiscrimination protections of employment and housing.’

Friday’s statement led some commentators to ponder whether a new non-discrimination bill (Senate Bill 100), sponsored by state Senator Stephen H. Urquhart, may – if now backed by the Church – reach the voting stage in 2015.

However, on Sunday (21 December), the Church issued a follow-up statement refuting that the statement meant it was supporting the bill. It also amended the message on its website.

Eric Hawkins, Senior Manager for Media Relations with the LDS Church, sent a statement to Fox 13 news on Sunday saying, ‘The reference to non-discrimination ordinances was meant to reflect the church’s support for the 2009 Salt Lake ordinance and is not an announcement of any kind.

‘The Church has been clear that its support of this specific ordinance was due to language that attempted to balance issues of non-discrimination and religious freedom.

‘This clarification has now been made to the page in question.

‘This is a beta site and is not a final product. Additional edits and changes are possible before it reaches final completion.’

The message on its website was duly amended to now read: ‘The Church website mormonsandgays.org details sincere outreach by the Church within the gay community, including support in Salt Lake City in 2009 for nondiscrimination protections of employment and housing.’

The Church did back a proposed bill back in 2009, but it never reached the voting stage, and since that time the Church as remained silent on the issue.

