Report: LDS Church Says Kids Of Same-Sex Couples Not Eligible For Membership

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints made a big announcement Thursday, saying children living with same-sex parents or guardians are not allowed to be members of the church.

According to KSL.com, the LDS Church updated its Handbook 1, a guide for stake presidents and bishops, with the new instructions.

Under the new instructions, the children won't be allowed membership until reaching legal age and disavowing the practice of same-gender cohabitation and marriage.

Church spokesman Erik Hawkins released the following statement:

"Church handbooks are policy and procedural guides for lay leaders who must administer the Church in many varied circumstances throughout the world. The Church has long been on record as opposing same-sex marriages. While it respects the law of the land, and acknowledges the right of others to think and act differently, it does not perform or accept same-sex marriage within its membership."

In Minnesota, there are an estimated 30,603 Mormons.