Mormon Missionary Positions
Photographer Neil DaCosta’s sexual field guide for the Latter Day Saints
While the first amendment clearly states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” many Americans are concerned about the potential change in White House administration this November, and what it would mean for marriage equality. As a Mormon, Mitt Romney is openly against same-sex marriage and remains “committed to making sure that we reinforce the institution of marriage in this country by insisting that all states have a right to have marriage as defined as between a man and a woman.”
Enter Portland-based photographer Neil DaCosta and art director Sara Phillips with their new series “Mormon Missionary Positions.” The duo refrain from making any personal political commentary, but the dedicated website makes clear the intention by juxtaposing a frighteningly antiquated excerpt from the Latter Day Saints handbook with images of two men demonstrating sexual positions. From the classic missionary position to drawing the bow, the provocative photographs are as artistically entertaining as they are seemingly politically charged.
From the LDS: “Sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, are sinful and undermine the divinely created institution of the family. The Church accordingly affirms defining marriage as the legal and lawful union between a man and a woman.”
An exciting followup to DaCosta’s look at the United States’ space program, Mormon Missionary Positions is a clever statement on the progress of a country built on the idea of religious freedom. Check out the entire series online.
