LGBT groups are asking the Big 12 athletic conference not to allow Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah to join the league alleging that the institution has discriminatory policies against same-sex couples and LGBTQ students.
Athlete Ally, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and more than 20 LGBT organisations have sent a letter to the Big 12 and its members urging them to reject BYU's bid to join the conference.
BYU is run by the LDS Church. Its Honor Code for students and employees states, "One's stated same-gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity."
"Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Code. Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings.," the code says.
In their letter, the LGBT groups said "adding BYU would be inconsistent with Big 12 Conference membership values."
They accused the university as an institution which "actively and openly discriminates against its LGBT students and staff."
"It provides no protections for LGBT students. In fact, through its policies, BYU is very clear about its intent to discriminate against openly LGBT students, with sanctions that can include suspension or dismissal for being openly LGBT or in a same-sex relationship," the groups charged.
In his response, BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe said "LGBT players, coaches and fans are always welcome to the BYU campus. Everyone should be treated with respect, dignity and love," CBN News reports.
The Big 12 has admitted Texas Christian University and Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the United States, as new members.
In an opinion piece on The Daily Universe, BYU's student media, Alex Clark wrote that the LGBT letter shows the groups are not committed to freedom and equality.
"What this letter demonstrates is these groups do understand the principles of freedom and equality so crucial in a pluralistic society — they just aren't committed to them when it isn't in their particular interests. And accusing others of bigotry when no hatred exists — simply a different system of religious perspective — is a tool to incite fear rather than engender tolerant discussions," he said.
