Mormon church now allows female employees to wear trousers

Women who work at the Mormon church's headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah are now allowed to wear pantsuits and dress slacks instead of just skirts or dresses.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent employees a memo Wednesday about several changes, which also include expanded maternity leave and allowing men to remove their suit coats in hot weather.

Church spokesman Doug Anderson says religious leaders made the decision to help employees feel comfortable.

Debra Jenson of the Mormon women's group Ordain Women called it a positive step forward.

She said anything that breaks down rigid gender roles gives her and others hope that more substantial changes are coming.

The church last year began allowing female missionaries to wear dress pants in parts of the world with mosquito-borne diseases. 

Women will also be eligible for six weeks of paid maternity leave.

In a statment Elder Quentin L. Cook said: "I would hope that Latter-day Saints would be at the forefront in creating an environment in the workplace that is more receptive and accommodating to both men and women."