Mormon 'stages of intimacy' list leaves people in shock after seeing 'horrifying' rules about sex

Social media users and telly-watchers have become transfixed in recent weeks with the secrets of the Mormon community - predominantly, their unflinching rules when it comes to sex and relationships.

And after stumbling across a list detailing the 'stages of intimacy' online, some spectators have been even further blown away, with many arguing the list goes one step too far.

Why is everyone suddenly talking about Mormon sex?

It's hardly a surprise anymore that members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints are forced to abide by some pretty harsh restrictions on physical relations.

Not only has Hulu's popular new reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives opened many viewers' eyes about the realities of living in the restrictive community, but a batch of TikTok-using Mormon teens have lifted the lid on the highs and lows of Latter-Day sex.

Apparently, members of this society are not permitted to engage in any form of intimacy outside of marriage (whether pre-marital or extra-marital).

And even masturbation is considered a big no-no.

This is because they believe family is integral to the plan of God - so jeopardising that is unacceptable - as one of the Bible's 10 commandments ordains: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

That said, some Mormons go to bizarre lengths to exploit apparent loopholes in the sex ban.

Mormons have some pretty strict rules on sex (Douglas Sacha/Getty)

Mormon 'stages of intimacy':

One Reddit user has recently taken to social media to add fuel to the debate by sharing an image of a list they claim was shown to them during a Mormon presentation at Utah's Brigham Young University, which is sponsored by the Mormon church.

And according to the image's caption, the user was informed that No's 1-12 are generally deemed 'OK!', while No's 13-19 require reporting 'to bishop'.

So, without further ado, let's get into the alleged 'admissibles'...

1) Eye to body

2) Eye to eye

3) Voice to voice

4) Hand in hand

5) Hand to shoulder

6) Hand to waist

7) Hand to face

8) Lips to hand

9) Lips to cheek

10) Foot to foot

11) Lip to lip

12) Lips to face

Mormons are apparently fine with some forms of intimacy (juanma hache/Getty)

As the Reddit user explained, though, there are some points on the list that would be considered out of bounds in Mormon culture...

13) Hand to upper body (light petting)

14) Body to body (thrusting, grinding)

15) Hand to lower body (heavy petting)

16) Mouth to upper body

17) Mouth to lower body (oral sex)

18) Bodies to bodies (partially or fully nude)

19) Intercourse

Social media users' reaction:

Unsurprisingly, the list has left readers completely divided, with some arguing that the restrictions aren't too hard to obey, whilst others are left concerned over Mormons' freedom and autonomy.

Interestingly, several former members of the community took to the comments to share their thoughts on the matter.

"I got to know someone like this after leaving the church. For a while I thought maybe Mormonism would have been tolerable done this way. But nope. He was as screwed up as I was as a member," one penned.

Another wrote: "I made the mistake of feeling guilty and 'confessing my sins'. Actually, I 'wasn't worthy' to take the sacrament for two months because the girl I was seeing showed me her boobs.

"I didn't even touch and still was shamed for months as a result...".