There is a Benefit to Not Baptizing Children of Same-Sex Parents

   There is a benefit that comes with this, with the decision not to baptize children of same-sex parents until they are 18.
   And, it is not being discussed, nor noticed. Even if it were noticed, it would be a delicate topic, in its own right. I will delve in and do my best, though.
   I will get to the point by telling a story. Years ago, there was a young man who the ward wanted to bring into activity. Unfortunately, even at his young age, he had already been introduced to drugs. I couldn't help but point out that there was a danger to the other kids in the Scout group. Well, as it turned out, a good portion of the others in the group did end up on drugs. One ended up being a drug supplier of note here in the Salt Lake Valley.
   You want to help them, and it seems you must. You feel you have to provide them a good support system, and good, clean friends , so they can break away from the negative influences.
   So, what do you do?
   My thought -- thinking as I write -- is that you must first have them committed to leaving their life of drugs far, far behind. Don't just be talking them into this. They must be committed to it. It must be their decision. Maybe say, "If you ever want to get out of drugs, we can help. Just come see us." Then, leave it to them to approach you. Leave it to them to make the decision, for, if the decision is not coming from them, if it is being imposed upon them, they might not be sincere, or firmly committed enough.
   And, the youth might get drawn back to his old friends even though his initial thought was to leave the bad influences. Maybe it will not be till he is older, if at all, that he is ready to leave the negative surroundings.
   I think this not unlike the situation the children of same-sex parents are in. They cannot escape the influence of the parents. No, not as long as they are living in those homes. It might not be until they are 18 or older before they are free from that influence.
   It is good to care about the ones who go astray, perhaps especially at that age. But, we are blind if we are not mindful of the others in the group. All children are in their tender years, and are influenceable by their peers. It is not wrong to protect them from harmful influences, rather, it is a must.
   For all the good and wonderful people who are in same-sex relationships, the practice still is wrong. Yes, we should want to protect our children from it. Yes, children of same-sex parents are likely to believe same-sex attraction is okay. Yes, they could be an influence upon their classmates at church.
   I think of the scripture that says it is better that one person die than that a nation dwindle and perish in unbelief, and wonder if there is a partial comparison. No, it is not good that Laban lost his life. Nor is it good that we are not in position at some points in life to reach out to the children of same-sex parents. Bless them. Unlike Laban, they are innocent. But, unlike Laban, all is not lost for them. They can be baptized after age 18. If they should die before then, the gospel can be taught them in the hereafter. The comparison to Laban, is only that it is better to let go of one child than than it is to endanger the whole class full of children. It is better to lose one, than to lose many.
   Bless them that all may turn out okay for them while in this life. What harm is upon them, is upon them because of the homes they are in. That harm is that they may believe same-sex marriage is okay. May they make it out of their parents' influence in due time and throw off the belief that the practice is okay.
 
(Note: A dozen words added 11/10/15)