On February 12th 2020, Brigham Young University removed two paragraphs on homosexual behavior from their honor code. The language defined homosexual behavior as including “not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings.” The code, which every student and faculty must pledge to obey, expressly forbade these behaviors.
The removal of this section was a welcome if somewhat puzzling change, given the Church’s vocal position against LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance. The OUT Foundation approached the news with cautious optimism.
Within hours of the release, BYU’s Honor Code Office was inundated with questions about what this change would mean for students. Students were told that same-gender dating, kissing, or holding hands would no longer constitute a violation of the Honor Code. This assurance was also given to a BYU Finance professor, who shared it with his classes in a video lecture that became widely disseminated. Once this understanding got out, LGBTQ+ students were jubilant. The on-campus statue of Brigham Young became a favorite photo-op for rainbow-clad Cougars feeling the weight of oppressive policies lifted. We, along with the LGBTQ+ student body, were grateful that BYU had finally become a safer place for our community.
After weeks of silence from Church leaders, a new statement was issued on March 4 by Elder Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner of the Church Educational System. This was followed up by a Q&A with Honor Code Office Director Kevin Utt, in which he was asked whether “members of the BYU’s campus community who identify as LGBTQ or SSA [could] be disciplined for going on a date, holding hands, or kissing.” He responded yes, they could be, and quoted Johnson:
Elder Johnson in his letter counsels, “Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles included in the Honor Code.” Therefore, any same-sex romantic behavior is a violation of the principles of the Honor Code.
This statement threw cold water on the hope that had blossomed within BYU’s LGBTQ+ community. Today, we are frustrated, disappointed, and infuriated — though regrettably, not altogether surprised.
The OUT Foundation is most concerned with the safety of the LGBTQ+ community at BYU. This troubling reversal is a breach of trust that leaves queer students with targets on their backs. Any student who may have come out to their roommates as dating, or displayed any affection in public may now face a precarious situation in which their academic standing, on-campus jobs, housing, or career prospects could all be in jeopardy.
The OUT Foundation advocates for many people from the LGBTQ+ community who have a complicated relationship with BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Creating a sense of safety on campus for our LGBTQ+ siblings and subsequently revoking it is a cruel bait-and-switch that fails to meet the standards for compassion set by Christ’s teachings.
LGBTQ+ students bring much needed diversity to BYU, but are too often made to feel left out in the cold. They need to know they belong. We call on the university, faculty members, and students to be a source of hope to those who are feeling hopeless today. Now is the time to “mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9).
If you are a queer student who no longer feels safe at BYU and wishes to transfer, follow this guide.
If you are a concerned alum, like us, please consider getting involved with our organization or donating