Should I tell my husband?

I don’t know how to word this without some people getting all bent out of shape. But here goes…

I was in the car with my daughters and my younger (16) suddenly told me that I couldn’t tell my husband or her bio-father about this. I laughed and said that if she’s dying, in danger or some other situation I’m telling. She said “Oh no mom, I just have a GIRLFRIEND. We’ve been dating for a few months.” I froze. What? I asked my daughter who it was and I know the girl and I like her.

A million questions have hit my head! Isn’t 16 too young to understand same sex attraction? Or is she just experimenting in her world? She’s very high functioning autistic so is she confusing a great friendship with romantic love? Biggest question of all is do I tell my husband so we can both be there for her?

We are part of the LDS faith (Mormons) and I know this will not fly well with my husband let alone her father. I know my daughter having a girlfriend is not the end of the world. But I don’t know what to do. Do I let her tell them when she’s ready? She’s totally chill. I think it’s mom (me) that needs the sounding board.