Mormons Announce No Baptisms for Babies with Gay Parents

It's been a banner year for gay rights with the Mormon church -- until yesterday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced a new policy Thursday that denies baptism to children living in a same-sex household. In a separate announcement, the church told leaders that participating in a same-sex marriage is tantamount to apostasy, or abandoning their faith,KUTV reports.

"A natural or adopted child of a parent living in a same-gender relationship, whether the couple is married or cohabiting, may not receive a name and a blessing," the policy reads.

The decision on baptisms, which was announced by LDS spokesman Eric Hawkins, takes effect immediately.

According to the policy, natural or adopted children living in a same-sex household may eventually be baptized into the faith once they're 18. However, in order to be baptized, they must renounce the practice of same-sex marriage or cohabitation, and stop living with their gay or lesbian parents.

Thursday's news comes in contrast to recent announcements by the LDS Church which signified that the conservative institution may be loosening up on LGBT issues.

In October, Mormon leader Dallin H. Oaks criticized Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis and called for a compromise between protecting religious liberty and prohibiting discrimination. In August, Mormon leaders announced that they would keep their affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America despite the organizations decision to allow gay troop leaders.