Was LDS handbook posted illegally?

[Shana A]

Was LDS handbook posted illegally?
By Carrie A. Moore
Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:51 p.m. MDT

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700226077,00.html

The LDS Church has sent notice to the Wikimedia Foundation alleging a copyright infringement by its Web sites Wikinews and Wikileaks regarding posting of a virtual copy of the 1999 LDS Church Handbook of Instructions.

Church spokesman Scott Trotter said Wednesday the church's legal department recently sent the letter after learning the copyrighted handbook had been posted online, and a URL link to the book was used in a story about the documents published by Wikinews on April 19, which described the material in the handbook.

and

Another Scientology-like Web war? Mormon Church documents put online
05:20 PM PT, May 14 2008

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/05/mormon-church-s.html

So in comparison, the information in the LDS Handbook, now available for all to see, can feel rather bland and grown-up. The document covers disciplinary actions like "disfellowshipment" and its more serious consequent, excommunication. It also details the repercussions members face for apostasy ("clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its leaders"), abortion, and transsexual operations.