Forbidden fruit

The official Mormon guide to homosexuality and masturbation the Church doesn’t want you to see

The Mormon Church has always had a bizarre fascination with homosexual behavior. Now, a “guidebook” written by Church leaders warning people about the evils of gayness and how to overcome it has leaked online.

The kinky 1981 document appeared on the Internet this week. In it, Church officials claim homosexuality can be “caused” by a number of things, including teenage masturbation.

Related: Things my Mormon parents have said to me, their gay son

“Early masturbation experiences introduce the individual to sexual thoughts which may become habit-forming and reinforcing to homosexual interests,” the document reads.

It continues: “Self-masturbation is almost universal among those who engage in homosexual behavior, and is a very difficult habit for most to overcome.”

The document goes on to explain that the filthy things young men think about whilst engaging in self-care are what really gets them hooked on the practice.

“The fantasies that attend this behavior are often the most powerful aspects of the act,” the document reads.

Other causes of homosexuality include: teenage gay sex (“Early homosexual experiences increase the possibility of future homosexual encounters”), a “disturbed family background”, child sexual abuse, and overbearing mothers.

Related: “Masturbation Will Make Me Turn Gay” And 40 More Wacky Lies From The Mormon Church

Most homosexual men, church officials say, are introduced to gay sex “in early childhood.” Meanwhile, lesbians tend to be later bloomers, taking their inaugural dips into the lady pond “in late teens or in the twenties.”

Most homosexuals are introduced to the behavior by someone “his own age or a few years older” and “almost always by someone they know.”

So what can be done about this very serious problem?

Well, officials say, lots of prayer. And lots of self-reflection. Repentance, of course. Oh, and maybe a little conversion therapy just for good measure.

“Homosexual behavior is learned and can be overcome,” the document reads.  “To believe that immoral behavior is inborn or hereditary is to deny that men have agency to choose between sin and righteousness.”

Related: Leaked document reveals Mormon Church’s method for ‘curing’ gay kids

It continues: “The Lord has given man the freedom to make moral choices, and this agency is the cornerstone of his plan for exaltation.”

“You can use the assessment, counseling, and goal-setting materials in this booklet to help a member eliminate the problem.”

Those who cannot overcome their homosexual tendencies, church leaders say, must be immediately purged from the establishment.

“Persons who have engaged in homosexual activities and who have not totally repented and forsaken these evil practices will not be admitted to study at or be employed by any Church university, college, school, or program,” the document reads.

It continues: “Students or staff who engage in such behavior while involved with the Church Educational System will be dismissed. Procedures for dealing with missionaries who are involved in active homosexual practices in the mission field are the same as for those who commit adultery or fornication.”

The leaked document was shared by MormonLeaks, an anonymous non-profit whistleblowing website dedicated to exposing corruption, abuse, hypocrisy, and homophobic practices within the Church.

“The organization provides sources and whistleblowers the technical ability to anonymously submit sensitive documents for use by professional and citizen journalists for starting and expanding news reporting, public commentary, and criticism related to Mormonism,” MormonLeaks says.

No word yet from the Church on the leak.

Related: There Are No Gay Mormons, Says Mormon Official

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