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Commentary: Did the 2015 LGBTQ policy drive a mass exodus from the LDS Church? No, but for many it was the ‘last straw’

In April, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reversed an unpopular 2015 policy aimed at curbing the participation of LGBTQ church members and their children.

Since the reversal, children of same-sex couples are once again eligible for baptism, and their parents are not subject to possible discipline just for being in a same-sex relationship.

During the 3½ years the policy was in place, it was controversial — resulting not only in outside criticism but also in internal dissent. Media coverage emphasized that the policy alone was responsible for causing thousands of people to leave the faith.