The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" is a 1995 statement issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)—whose adherents are known colloquially as Mormons—which defined the official position of the church on family, marriage, gender roles, and human sexuality. It was first announced by church president Gordon B. Hinckley.

Hinckley first read the Proclamation on September 23, 1995, at the church's General Relief Society Meeting, stating that the purpose was to "warn and forewarn" the world to the danger of deviating from its standards. In 1997, the LDS Church included the text of the Proclamation in an amicus brief to petition the Hawaii supreme court to reject same sex marriage. The LDS Church has published copies of the Proclamation in many languages, distributing them worldwide, and some Latter-day Saints have framed the Proclamation for display in their church buildings and homes.

The Proclamation has been discussed and referenced in the church's general conferences as well as in many other types of church meetings throughout the world. For instance, the Proclamation and the associated issues addressed were discussed during the church's 2008 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting.

Although the Proclamation presents no new doctrines or policies, it provides an official statement of the church on gender and sex.

The LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign has cited the Proclamation as an indication that the church restricts those who believe themselves to be gay, lesbian, and bisexual from fully integrating into the LDS Church. However, according to Hinckley:

The church also issued this statement after the Human Rights Campaign's criticism:

There is no question that this is difficult, but Church leaders and members are available to help lift, support and encourage fellow members who wish to follow Church doctrine. Their struggle is our struggle. Those in the Church who are attracted to someone of the same sex but stay faithful to the Church’s teachings can be happy during this life and perform meaningful service in the Church. They can enjoy full fellowship with other Church members, including attending and serving in temples, and ultimately receive all the blessings afforded to those who live the commandments of God.

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