“It is commendable that nonconsensual immorality has been exposed and denounced,” he said. “Such nonconsensual immorality is against the laws of God and of society. Those who understand God’s plan should also oppose consensual immorality, which is also a sin.”
Harsh reaction to his choice of saying “nonconsensual immorality” instead of rape, assault or abuse swiftly followed online. I tweeted, “Telling victims that they’ve engaged in immorality is victim blaming no matter how many qualifiers you put in front of it.”
As others defended his word choice as just fine in that he obviously was putting the onus on the perpetrator and not the victim, I realized that a quick lesson was in order on why careful words matter, especially in this time when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working hard to make changes after claims of abuse within the institution.