BYU Honor Code restricts religious freedom according to The Student Review

An author at The Student Review, “an independent paper revival,” claims the BYU Honor Code restricts religious freedom.  He makes a compelling case, quoting Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Joseph Smith, the LDS Church’s founder.  I think I might agree but I would describe the Honor Code more as means BYU uses to control behavior rather than restrict freedom.  Interesting points were brought up recently in discussions on Facebook.  BYU students sign a contract to follow the Honor Code while pursuing their education at BYU, and the Honor Code (per The Student Review) says you have to be in “good standing” to graduate from the university.  Education at BYU is, in some sense, subsidized by LDS church tithes and donations; is it fair that someone enters as a Mormon, uses money donors think is going to the Mormon cause, and graduates as something other than a Mormon?  I’m not really sure, but I think the author of the article brings up valid points worth discussing and considering.

The author concludes with a quote from Joseph Smith:

“…the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves”

Regardless of whether I agree, I guess I’ll stand by BYU’s (a private institution) right to enforce rules it sees necessary so I can maintain my freedom to worship how, where, or what I may–or not.  Is it too much to ask that BYU/the Church, in their efforts to squelch religious freedom at BYU, not over step their bounds to restrict my freedoms?

Marriage and Religious Freedom letter signed by the LDS Church

H. David Burton signed his name to the letter Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods that Stand and Fall Together for the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints. The letter is written to incite “people of good will” to stand against marriage equality. Who are people of good will? I guess they are the people who stand against marriage equality, and it sounds like you’re not a person of good will if you stand behind marriage equality.

The letter also seems to strip gay couples of titles that would make them appear to be similar to straight couples. For example, notice the quotation marks in these sentences:

…Religious employers who provide special health benefits to married employees would be required by law to extend those benefits to same-sex “spouses”…

…So, for example, religious adoption services that place children exclusively with married couples would be required by law to place children with persons of the same sex who are civilly “married”…

Why do I care? They’re just words. Spouse. Marriage. They don’t mean much. Or do they? To me, this is reminiscent of the argument for separate but equal status: it segregates Dan and me from the rest of society–not only can we not get married, we aren’t allowed to refer to ourselves as being married. That’s something only straight, awesome people can do. When conversing with religious people, they sometimes deliberately avoid the use of words like marriage and spouse or husband and stammer for a word they feel is an appropriate middle ground (i.e., is separate but totally equal). It’s like when LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley referred to gays and lesbians as “so-called” gays and lesbians.

They’re just words, so I won’t be offended by them.

But other people seem to care about the words used to refer to them so maybe I should care. Remember when Robert Jefress called Mormonism a cult? And said Mormons aren’t Christian (i.e., don’t believe in Christ)? Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with Mormons repudiating his claims. Maybe Jefress was just stammering for words he feels are appropriate to separate his god-fearing religion from Mormonism. Here’s a refresher from Anderson Cooper.

They’re just words, and nothing should offend them.

Are “marriage” and “spouse” really just words? Linda Stay answered the question beautifully in this clip from 8: The Mormon Proposition. Her son married in California (before gay marriage was overturned), and she shared her thoughts about what that marriage did for her son’s relationship.

Words are powerful, especially the word marriage. Denying others the opportunity to use the word is also powerful and is not without its consequences.

Excellent rebuttals (video) to common arguments against gay marriage

I don’t always feel qualified to answer questions on marriage equality and other gay issues, especially when it comes to adoption by gay and lesbians couples: My personal experiences and knowledge are limited.  I’ve compiled a series of videos that offer rebuttals to common arguments against gay marriage and other gay issues either through someone telling their story or a representation of true-to-life scenarios and facts.  Share these videos on social media to answer questions you don’t feel qualified to answer; it makes a difference.

Zach Wahls of Iowa talks about being raised by two moms.  He asks legislators in Iowa:

“You are voting for the first time in the history of our state to codify discrimination into our constitution…  Will this vote affect my family?  Will it affect yours?”

He further asserts “The sexual orientation of my parents has had zero affect on my character.”

This video from Australia reminds me of significant life events I’ve shared with Dan including our engagement.

This video is touching to me.  People briefly mention aspects of the Constitution that uphold gay marriage and then say (something along the lines):

“We are the people of the United States of America.  I’m your doctor.  I’m your lawyer.  I’m your pastor.  I’m your neighbor.  I’m your kids best friend.”

This video touches me because I don’t always feel supported by pastors, lawyers, neighbors, etc.

This video is also touching to me as I’ve felt numerous times that I need permission from all the people fighting against my marriage to be with Dan.

And here’s a clip from the most progressive show ever: The Golden Girls.  If you want to know why men have nipples, this clip has an answer.

Wanda Sykes on gay marriage:

“If you don’t believe in same-sex marriage then don’t marry someone of the same sex… I think the biggest threat to marriage is divorce… Make marriage like the mafia: once you’re in, you’re in.”

Vulgarity warning: Wanda has been known to curse.

These videos are a little longer and more in depth.  The man in the video talks about aspects of religious freedom that aren’t threatened by gay marriage.  It is basically a rebuttal to Dallin H. Oaks: Oaks cites many of the same cases this guy discusses (e.g., the United Methodist Church case).  These are the same cases and arguments distributed in LDS congregations during the time of Prop 8.  LDS lawyer Morris Thurston offered his own rebuttal to these same arguments.

Here’s a final video from the CATO Institute which describes how marriage is a fundamental right.