I had just turned 12 years old. My sister was the Laurel President and absolutely loved the Young Women’s program in our LDS faith. I was so excited to share this with my sister. Just like other youth my age, it was time for me to be interviewed by my Bishop. He was a young Bishop. Well liked by the our ward and youth. I remember being very skinny and small for my age. I wore my best dress. I walked to the ward house to meet with him. I can recall the very chair that I sat in, with my Bishop sitting behind his desk. I didn’t want to “fail” my interview. I wanted to be “worthy” to be in the Young Women’s program.
The Bishop greeted me with a handshake and quickly began the interview process. The very first question that he asked was, “Are you into bestiality?” I answered back with a confused look, “what does that mean? Bestiality?”. He then explained the very definition of what bestiality was. He explained that it is having sex with animals. Then he asked again, “Do you have sex with animals?” I said, “no.” And said, “I wouldn’t even know how to do that.”
I distinctly remember coming home with my mom in the kitchen and asked her what the word bestiality was, and then proceeded to tell her what was asked of me. Luckily, I had a mother with a strong sense of right and wrong. She was very upset. I don’t know what ever happened as a result of telling my mom. However, I can tell you that the Bishop that asked this incredibly offensive question to me was given a new calling as our Stake President.
This was 37 years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. I haven’t been able to heal from this because other’s will make excuses as to the “why” he did what he did. I have served a full time mission, married in the temple, served in ward and stake leadership positions. I can tell you that I know what was asked of me was wrong and evil. However, I will never be able to reconcile as to why my Bishop would ever think that I would participate in bestiality at such a young age. I wasn’t sexually or physically abused in my home or by anyone in my life at that time.
In conclusion, there was no reason to ask me this. Why would a man ask a 12 year old girl a question like this? It has harmed me and affected me throughout my life. I still can’t make sense of this. I would like to ask the LDS church leadership as to “why” they continue to allow this? Our LDS children are NOT safe and protected. I beg our church to please change this. Please overhaul the whole interview process.