“Though many outside the Church regard masturbation as normal, LDS leaders teach that the practice is wrong, one that feeds base appetites and may lead to other sinful conduct. Similarly, unmarried couples who engage in petting or fondling are breaking the law of chastity, and stimulating impulses that may lead to other sin.”

Bryce J. Christensen, Encyclopedia of Mormonism – Volume 1, “Law of Chastity” (New York, NY: Macmillan, 1992), 266.