How many of you have used “The Rule” to decide whether or not to see a movie? Also known as the Bechdel Test, The Rule goes like this:

1. The movie must have at least two women
2. who talk with each other
3. about something other than a man.

The Rule isn’t a litmus test for feminism, but it certainly is astonishing how few movies pass it, even in our day and age.

Adam Lee and Hemant Mehta have suggested a similar test for religions. Does your religion (or a particular faith you are considering)

1. have at least one woman in a position of authority
2. who plays a formal, recognized role in shaping doctrine or practice
3. that is binding on male members of that religion?

Mormonism sure as hell doesn’t. Let’s examine this.

The Mormon church (by which I mean The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) bars women from its hierarchy altogether. All bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents, general authorities, apostles and prophets are men, by definition. The only positions of responsibility open to women are those in auxiliaries that contain only women and/or children—i.e., the Relief Society (the women’s auxiliary), the Young Women’s program, and the Primary program (the children’s auxiliary)—so women in these positions not only have no authority over men but are also not allowed to set policy or practice without getting permission from the male hierarchy. This isn’t an accident—it is by design.

It’s possible for a misogynistic movie to pass The Rule, just as it’s possible for a misogynistic religion to pass this new rule. But while it’s possible for a movie that fails The Rule to be feminist in other ways, I would argue that it is not possible for a religion that fails this new rule to not be patriarchal, oppressive and sexist.

Mormonism fails this new rule because it is founded on sexist, patriarchal, oppressive principles, most of which are handily spelled out in the revered document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Go read it for fun feminist times!

What similar questions would you guys pose of a religion to assess its acceptance of gays, lesbians and transgendered people?