Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

BYU Changes the Honor Code's Section Dealing with Homosexuality

by Lisa Hansen
April 2007

On April 12 Brigham Young University changed in its Honor Code the section dealing with homosexuality. The new text defines homosexual behavior as “not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings.” According to the new document, homosexual advocacy includes “seeking to influence others to engage in homosexual behavior or promoting homosexual relations as being morally acceptable.”

Kevin Dion, a leader of Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons in Orlando, Florida, applauds the change. “The move by BYU to clarify and to differentiate between sexual orientation and sexual behavior is a positive and welcome step in helping BYU students and faculty to treat our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters with respect and tolerance,” says Dion. “It deserves our strongest applause and recognition.”

Hugo Salinas, associate director of Affirmation, disagrees. “All this change does is show that BYU sees homosexual behavior as something completely different from heterosexual behavior,“ says Salinas. “The fact that gay and lesbian students need three additional paragraphs of Honor Code is itself an act of discrimination. The guiding principle of this change is not to help gay and lesbian students, but to give BYU officials grounds to continue disciplining students who kiss their same-sex dates.”

The change occurred three weeks after gay and lesbian students urged the BYU administration to clarify its policies. The students were participating in a panel organized by Soulforce Equality Riders near BYU.

New Text:

Homosexual behavior or advocacy

Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or orientation and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards. Members of the university community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code.

One's sexual orientation 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 or advocacy of homosexual behavior are inappropriate and violate 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. Advocacy includes seeking to influence others to engage in homosexual behavior or promoting homosexual relations as being morally acceptable.

Violations of the Honor Code may result in actions up to and including separation from the University.

Old Text:

Homosexual behavior or advocacy

Brigham Young University will respond to student behavior rather than to feelings or orientation. Students can be enrolled at the University and remain in good Honor Code standing if they maintain a current ecclesiastical endorsement and conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code. 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.