apr 1, 1879 - Polygamy used as a Remedy for Homosexuality [Part 18]

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In George Q. Cannon’s April 1879 General Conference address, the apostle gave scathing remarks against “the false tradition” of heterosexual monogamy, celibacy, and ‘the crime against nature’.

Cannon’s conference address focused on the disproportionate number of women (potential wives) in comparison to the number of men in Zion. Cannon believed women who wanted to marry, should marry—even if it was plurally. His remarks also allude that polygamy (and keeping men occupied with wives) might prevent those men from pursuing homosexuality.

“But it is a most difficult thing to get these Latter-day Saints to understand the principles that are as plain as the noonday sun—that they should receive readily, and why? Because, as I have said, they are heirs of the traditions of centuries that have come down through the dark ages. It is a wonderful thing to do what we have done respecting woman. Look at what monogamy has done. Look at its effects; trace its influence from the death of the Apostles, or soon afterwards, down to this the nineteenth century, and what do we behold? Why, in every generation a large percentage of our sisters has been consigned either to that nameless condition of which it is a shame to speak, or have died without ever knowing the joys of maternity.”

-George Q. Cannon
1st Counselor in the First Presidency
General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
April 6, 1879

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