In an article on the Brigham Young University NewsNet, the following appears regarding the upcoming visit by the Equality Ride:

Of the 220 schools across the nation that ban homosexuality on campus, Herrin said BYU has one of the toughest, most stringent policies.

BYU policy, laid out in the Honor Code, states that while homosexual feelings or orientation will not result in a violation, homosexual behavior will.

“Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or any behaviors that indicate homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code may result in actions up to and including separation from the University,” the Honor Code states.

I really have to take issue with what is said in this article. The article says that “homosexual feelings or orientation will not result in a violation” but that only homosexual behavior will. If that is true, why does the policy itself say: “Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or any behaviors that indicate homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code.”

The policy is so vague, that almost anything could violate the policy, depending upon the person interpreting it. I mean… a straight person advocating for equality could violate this policy, as it forbids “Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle…”

I think the BYU news staff was a little off when they said feelings or orientation would not be subject to violation. Like I said, the policy is way too vague to even pinpoint what could or could not be subject to a violation.

The Equality Ride is scheduled to stop at BYU on April 10, 2006. BYU officials have said they will let the Riders onto campus. A community gathering will take place off-campus the same day. For more information visit http://www.equalityride.com/brighamyoung

Click here for the most up-to-date Equality Ride news on MattHillNC.com.

Technorati Tags: gay youth, gay, lgbt, gay rights, brigham young university, soulforce, equality ride