Abstract

Mormon Family Values

David and Carlie Hardy were the perfect Mormon couple building the perfect Mormon legacy in Salt Lake City, Utah. David Hardy had been called to serve as a bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), whose ministry is drawn from its membership. The family's bliss was shattered when, Judd, the Hardy's 13-year-old son, confided to his father that he feared he was same-sex attracted. This meant that he was a homosexual. David and Carlie enrolled Judd in a stint of reparative therapy which helps people in overcoming their homosexuality. Judd attempted suicide as the church wanted him to change, but he couldn't. Since then, David and Carlie Hardy turned from being obedient, God-fearing church members to vocal, angry gay-rights activists. The Hardy's fight for the acceptance of gays is, in a sense, their new ministry.