The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will no longer allow children of same-sex couples to take part in church activities until they are adults and leave home, the church told NBC News.
New language in the handbook states that children — biological or adopted — of same-sex parents cannot receive a blessing, begin missionary training or be baptized, confirmed or ordained without permission from the church’s top leaders.
Revisions to the handbook state that those in a “same-gender marriage” are apostates, or those who have turned their backs on their churches.
The policies were implemented on Thursday and sent to Mormon congregations, NBC News reported.
The changes were approved by the church’s council after the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriages and high courts across the country.
